It can be difficult to tell if you havepneumoniaorlung cancerbecause they share similar symptoms.
However, there are fundamental differences between the two.
To start, pneumonia is a chest infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs.
Verywell / Katie Kerpel
Lung cancer, on the other hand, takes place if cells grow out of control and form tumors.
This article takes you through the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of each condition.
Verywell / Katie Kerpel
This article will discuss the similarities and differences between pneumonia and lung cancer.
Symptoms
The symptom that most often varies between the conditions is fever.
Pneumonia almost always causes fever, whereas lung cancer does not.
Also, the two conditions have some distinct symptoms.
Pneumonia Causes
Pneumonia is sparked by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The most common form of pneumonia,bacterial pneumonia, is typically caused byStreptococcus pneumoniae.
In children, the virus that commonly causes viral pneumonia is the respiratory syncytial virus.
Fungal pneumoniaisnt as common.
The types of fungi that can cause pneumonia includeCoccidioidomycosis,Histoplasmosis, andCryptococcus.
Do All Lung Cancer Patients Die if They Get Pneumonia?
If you are receiving treatment for lung cancer and develop pneumonia, its important to start antibiotics promptly.
Your cancer treatment may be on pause until pneumonia resolves.
A sample of phlegm will be taken and tested to help figure out the source of the infection.
A chestX-raywill likely be performed as well.
Knowing this can help your healthcare provider determine the best treatment.
A chest X-ray alone cannot confirm cancer.
For this reason, a computerized tomography (CT) scan will also be ordered if cancer is suspected.
In some cases, pneumonia can get worse and complications can occur that require hospitalization.
Pneumonia Treatment
A case of bacterial pneumonia will be treated using an antibiotic.
If you are hospitalized, you will be given medications through an IV directly into your bloodstream.
Summary
Although lung cancer and pneumonia have different causes they can show some similar signs and symptoms.
This is especially true if someone is experiencing frequent bouts of pneumonia.
This is because recurring chest infections are often a sign of lung cancer.
Pneumonia and lung cancer are often experienced at the same time.
Having pneumonia while battling lung cancer also increases the risk of severe or life-threatening consequences.
Pneumonia and lung cancer often go through the same tests.
Because of this, pneumonia will likely be diagnosed prior to the more intricate tests for lung cancer.
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Published 2023 Jan 6. doi:10.1186/s12904-023-01127-2
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American Cancer Society.Can Lung Cancer Be Found Early?
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National Cancer Institute.Targeted cancer therapies.
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