Why does lung cancer cause hemoptysis?
Aug 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the main causes of hemoptysis (coughing up blood) due to lung cancer include tumor invasion of blood vessels, necrosis and shedding of tumor tissue, bronchiectasis, concurrent pulmonary infection, and pulmonary embolism. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, one should avoid severe coughing to reduce pressure on the blood vessels in the lungs and maintain humid indoor air.
Generally, the main causes of hemoptysis (coughing up blood) induced by lung cancer include tumor invasion of blood vessels, necrosis and shedding of tumor tissue, bronchiectasis, concurrent pulmonary infection, and pulmonary embolism. If experiencing any discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely diagnosis and treatment at a qualified hospital. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Tumor Invasion of Blood Vessels
During proliferation, lung cancer cells may invade blood vessels in the surrounding lung tissue, causing damage to vessel walls. Blood then flows into the bronchi and is expelled through coughing, resulting in hemoptysis. Under medical guidance, hemostatic drugs such as snake venom thrombin (for injection), phenolsulfonate injection, and tranexamic acid injection may be used. Additionally, radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be administered targeting the tumor itself.
2. Necrosis and Shedding of Tumor Tissue
When a tumor grows rapidly, internal ischemia and necrosis may occur. The shedding of necrotic tissue can damage surrounding blood vessels, leading to bleeding and hemoptysis. Interventional therapy can be used to block the blood supply to the tumor, reducing necrosis and bleeding. Carbazochrome tablets may also be used as an adjunct for hemostasis.
3. Bronchiectasis
Lung cancer may compress or obstruct the bronchi, inducing bronchiectasis. The walls of the dilated bronchial vessels are fragile and prone to rupture, causing bleeding and hemoptysis. As directed by a physician, medications such as ipratropium bromide solution for inhalation, budesonide suspension for inhalation, and salbutamol雾化吸入溶液 can be used to improve airway patency. Bronchial artery embolization may be necessary for hemostasis in some cases.
4. Concurrent Pulmonary Infection
Patients with lung cancer often have weakened immune systems, making them susceptible to pulmonary infections. Inflammatory stimuli can cause congestion, edema, and rupture of bronchial mucosal blood vessels, leading to hemoptysis. Anti-infective agents such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, cefixime capsules, and levofloxacin tablets should be selected based on the causative pathogens, along with hemostatic treatment.
5. Pulmonary Embolism
Lung cancer patients may have increased blood viscosity, making them prone to thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism. Ischemic injury to the vessels at the embolism site can lead to hemoptysis. Under medical supervision, anticoagulant medications such as low molecular weight heparin calcium injection, warfarin sodium tablets, and rivaroxaban tablets should be used. In severe cases, pulmonary thrombectomy may be required.
In daily life, patients should avoid severe coughing to reduce pressure on pulmonary blood vessels, maintain humid indoor air to prevent respiratory dryness, strictly quit smoking, avoid dust and irritant gases, and undergo regular pulmonary examinations to monitor disease progression.
