Hemoptysis in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Hemoptysis in cancer patients can occur for various reasons, including infections, tumors, blood vessel abnormalities and inflammatory conditions. The degree of hemoptysis is commonly classified according to the quantity of blood expelled. However, volume-based definitions may not accurately reflect the clinical impact of bleeding. This review explores a more comprehensive approach to evaluating hemoptysis by considering its risk factors, epidemiology and clinical consequences. In particular, this review provides insight into the risk factors, identifies mortality rates associated with hemoptysis in cancer patients and highlights the need for developing a mortality prediction score specific for cancer patients. The use of hemoptysis-related variables may help stratify patients into risk categories; optimize the control of bleeding with critical care; implement the use of tracheobronchial or vascular interventions; and aid in treatment planning. Effective management of hemoptysis in cancer patients must address the underlying cause while also providing supportive care to improve patients’ quality of life.

Rapid growth of primary pulmonary meningioma with hemoptysis

“…Notably, complications related to hemorrhage, occurring in approximately 2.2% of patients with intracranial meningioma, are often attributed to the rupture of defective intratumoral blood vessels and overstretched veins surfacing the growing tumor [ 9 ]. In cases of lung cancer, hemoptysis can occur through various mechanisms, including neovascularization in and around the tumor, invasion of vascular structures by the tumor, exfoliation of the tumor surface, and tumor necrosis [ 10 ]. In the current PPM case, the tumor tissues exhibited numerous thin-walled vasculatures within the tumor stroma, without evident vascular invasion or tumor cell exfoliation.…”

Influence of non-tuberculous bacterial infection on prognosis of hemoptysis

“…Hemoptysis is the main complaint of 10-15% of clinical patients with chest diseases [1]. The common primary diseases are tuberculosis, bacterial infection, bronchiectasis, malignant tumor, aneurysm and pulmonary cystic brosis [2,3], and bronchial artery embolization is the preferred treatment for lung [4]. 50% of lung parenchymal injury is related to bacterial infection [5,6], among which tuberculosis and bacterial infection occupy the main position [7], and non-tuberculous bacterial infection accounts for 2%-10% of all the primary causes of hemoptysis [8].…”