Can lung cancer cause vision loss in a 32-year-old patient?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 32-year-old male, and I have just been diagnosed with lung cancer due to a chronic cough and chest pains that have been bothering me over the past few months.

In recent times, I have realized there are some changes in my vision, such as some blurring and an inability to focus on things. This has left me with a feeling of confusion and anxiety because I never thought I would develop such visual problems from a lung disease.

Can lung cancer cause vision loss in a 32-year-old patient?
Does this mean the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain or eyes?
What tests should be done to determine the exact cause of these symptoms?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I completely understand the fear and anxiety you are experiencing.

Your symptoms of visual disturbances must be investigated as soon as possible. The first possible reason may be metastasis of the lung cancer to the brain; however, there are also other possibilities. Thus, a brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)scan needs to be done to find possible metastatic tumors (brain metastasis).

Treatment will depend on the results of examinations and may include radiotherapy, surgery (in certain cases), and systemic therapy according to the type and stage of the lung cancer. Treatment of brain metastases can help to resolve vision disturbances because many patients have successful outcomes from treatment of this condition.

It is not only metastasis that causes visual problems in lung cancer patients. Vision disorders may be associated with eye diseases, the side effects of treatment, or metastasis of cancer to the eye. In some cases, it is necessary to undergo an eye examination by an ophthalmologist.

Even though lung cancer at 32 years is rare, it does happen. However, the best way to treat it will be determined by the type of cancer, its stage, and the outcomes of additional tests that will be conducted.

I hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to ask if you have any further questions.

Thank you.