Haemoptysis predicts survival and recurrence

This study investigated the prognostic role of haemoptysis in patient diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of lung and cured after surgery.

Haemoptysis, or bloody sputum, is a common symptom of lung cancer. Haemoptysis is thought to occur due to the invasion of the cancer into the small blood vessels of the lung. Therefore, haemoptysis at the time of diagnosis is sometimes considered a sign of cancer aggressiveness. Whether or not haemoptysis at the time of diagnosis is associated with an increased risk of recurrence after curative surgery, or with decreased survival, is currently under investigation.

This study analyzed the records of 666 patients who underwent curative surgery for the treatment of a lung adenocarcinoma. Haemoptysis was observed in 149 patients (22.4%) at the time of diagnosis. Haemoptysis at the time of diagnosis was compared to patient survival and recurrence rates within an average follow-up time of 34 months.

At the end of the follow-up period, overall survival rates were 41% for patients with haemoptysis at diagnosis, and 67% for patients without haemoptysis at diagnosis. After statistical analysis accounting for multiple variables, haemoptysis at the time of diagnosis was found to increase the risk of recurrence after surgery by almost 79%. The risk of death from lung cancer was found to be increased by 82% in patients presenting with haemoptysis at the time of diagnosis.

This study concluded that haemoptysis at the time of diagnosis is significantly associated with an increased risk of cancer recurrence and death after curative surgery.

Consult with your physician regarding the benefits of increased surveillance for the detection of cancer recurrence after surgery.