Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSE) Practice Exam

Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a symptom commonly associated with lung cancer due to the impact of tumors on the airways, lung tissue, or the pleura (the thin layer covering the lungs). As lung cancer develops, it can lead to obstruction of air passages or fluid buildup around the lungs, decreasing lung capacity and causing discomfort or a feeling of breathlessness. Additionally, lung cancer may result in complications like pneumonia or pleural effusion, both of which further exacerbate breathing difficulties. Although frequent headaches, constipation, and skin rashes can be seen in various medical conditions, they are not specific or commonly linked to lung cancer. Headaches might occur in some cases related to brain metastases but are not the primary symptom of lung cancer itself. Constipation is generally unrelated to lung function, and skin rashes are more indicative of dermatologic issues or systemic diseases rather than a respiratory condition like lung cancer. Therefore, dyspnea stands out as a key and often distressing symptom in patients with this type of cancer.