9. Airflow obstruction
When patients have a growing tumor, there’s always a certain degree of airway obstruction, depending on where it is located. However, the tumor grows very large in advanced lung cancer, and the obstacle becomes more evident. Patients usually have a more severe sensation of running out of breath, and they may even find it harder to breathe. This mainly happens when tumors are located in the midline and close to the central airways. It may also occur when tumors invade lymph nodes in the midline area.