At the age of 85, is the pulmonary edema lung cancer?

For an 85-year-old man, the presence of pulmonary edema does not necessarily mean that it must be lung cancer. Although lung cancer is one of the common types of malignant tumors, many other reasons may also cause pulmonary edema.

Infectious illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis may cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs. These illnesses often cause cough, fever, and other respiratory symptoms and may show similar findings to fluid in the lungs on imaging tests. However, by taking a medical history, doing a physical examination, and doing appropriate laboratory tests, your doctor can determine if an infection or other cause is present.

Heart failure can also cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs. When the heart cannot pump blood effectively, fluid can seep out of various parts of the body and collect in the lungs. This condition may occur with a history of heart disease or with symptoms such as difficulty breathing. Your doctor can help diagnose the possibility of heart failure by performing a heart ultrasound and blood tests.

Kidney dysfunction can also be a cause of pulmonary edema. Impaired kidney function can lead to water retention in the body, which can cause pulmonary edema. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as decreased urine output, edema, and high blood pressure. By assessing a patient's kidney function, a doctor can determine if there is a kidney problem.

Cirrhosis can also lead to the occurrence of pulmonary edema. The liver is an important metabolic organ in the body, and its abnormal function will affect the body's water and salt balance. When the liver is severely damaged, fluid will seep out from all over the body and accumulate in the lungs. In this case, the patient may have symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, and esophageal varices. By understanding the patient's liver disease history and performing relevant laboratory tests, the doctor can confirm the possibility of cirrhosis.

Although pulmonary edema is a serious symptom, it is not always caused by lung cancer. In order to accurately diagnose and treat any potential problems, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor in time. The doctor can develop an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan through a detailed medical history, physical examination, and necessary auxiliary examinations.