Lung Cancer And Infectıons

Abstract

Oncological treatments and also survival of the lung cancer patients are effected because of the developed infections. Early treatment is important in these patients to prevent increased mortality. Infections may develop in different regions independently of the tumor histology and extent. Tracheobronchial tree is the most common site of infection. In the background of infections associated with lung cancer are COPD, bronchial obstruction due to tumor or lymph nodes enlargement, different treatment modalities such as surgery/ chemotherapy /radiotherapy for lung cancer. Vagus and recurrent laringeal nerve invasion may occur in patients with lung cancer. Glottic and silier disfunction due to radiotherapy increase the risk of aspiration pneumonitis. Radiotherapy can also lead to many unwanted side effects such as ozofajitis, mucosal trauma and predisposition to infections. Opportunistic infections due to sterioids could be seen. Surgical site infections and post-operative pneumonia can frequently be seen after surgery. Patients who undergo chemotherapy are at risk for the development of neutropenia. Febril neutropenia after chemotherapy also may develop in patients with lung cancer. Risk of infection increases with the granulocyte count below 500/mm3. Antibiotics should be started almost instantaneously when infection is suspected in lung cancer patients. Prophylactic antibiotics would be useful when neutropenia and mucositis occurs. Clinicians treating lung cancer patients should diagnose infections and start appropriate treatment regimens.