When fighting cancer, certain symptoms can occur, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and confusion. They can be not only side effects of cancer and its treatment, but also signs of low sodium levels known as hyponatremia. This can cause certain types of cancer, such as brain and lung tumors, to disrupt sodium levels in the body, leading to severe health problems. Therefore, early detection of symptoms of low sodium cancer can lead to significant differences in the management and prevention of complications, as well as improving quality of life.
This article will help you understand what hyponatremia is, the key symptoms of hyponatremia in cancer patients, how cancer treatment affects sodium levels, and how it occurs with preventive strategies and treatment options. Please read it!
What is hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is a condition marked with low sodium levels (less than 135 meq/l) in the blood. This leads to imbalances at the fluid level within the body. Furthermore, if the sodium balance in the blood is very low, excess water will enter the cells and expand. This can be a dangerous situation, especially with brains with little space to expand.
In some cases, hyponatremia is associated with several underlying health issues, such as cancer. Therefore, monitoring the symptoms associated with it is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. Leaving it untreated can be life-threatening.
Potential low sodium cancer symptoms
The severity of hyponatremia symptoms depends on the decrease in sodium levels.
| Sodium level (meq/l) | Symptoms |
| 130-135 (Mild) | Fatigue, headache, nausea |
| 125-129 (Medium) | Confusion, muscle cramps, loss of appetite |
| <125 (severe) | Seizures, coma, swelling of the brain |
Symptoms may not develop in mild hyponatremia. However, if sodium levels in the blood are too low and low, individuals may experience these cancer-related hyponatremia symptoms.
Mild to moderate symptoms:
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Fatigue and weakness: Cancer suppresses excess water diluting sodium levels.
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Headache: Low sodium levels cause water to migrate into brain cells, leading to swelling, causing headaches.
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Nausea and Vomiting: By retaining excessive water, the body dilutes sodium levels that cause nausea and vomiting.
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confusion: the study Cancers like small cell lung cancer (SCLC) say that it can lead to SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion), where it produces ADH in excess. This will help the kidneys retain water and contribute to low sodium levels with confusion-like symptoms.
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Muscle convulsions or convulsions: A poor sodium balance can cause contractions and disrupt the activity of neural impulses that cause muscle convulsions and convulsions.
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Anorexia: Low sodium levels caused by cancer can affect the brain and other organs, leading to weakness, fatigue and confusion that contribute to loss of appetite. Sometimes cancer can have a direct effect on your appetite.
Severe symptoms (if sodium levels are significantly lower):
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Severe confusion or delirium: SIADH due to several cancer treatments, such as cancer or chemotherapy, can lead to serious confusion or sudden changes in mental states, such as hallucination.
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Seizures: Due to Siadh, the body retains excess water diluting sodium levels, leading to swelling of the brain and the possibility of seizures.
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coma (in extreme cases): A large and fast drop in sodium levels can cause brain dysfunction and swelling as the brain is very sensitive to sodium imbalances. This contributes to coma.
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Lower awareness: Swelling brain cells due to low sodium levels can lead to neurological symptoms such as low consciousness.
Why do cancer patients develop low sodium levels?
Cancer and its treatment can destroy the sodium balance in several ways.
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SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion): Cancer-induced hyponatremia can be caused by SIADH (antiuretic hormone), retained water, and excessive release of diluted sodium levels (which frequently occurs in small cell lung cancer).
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Cancer Treatment: Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other cancer treatments can affect renal function, increase fluid retention rates, and interfere with sodium balance.
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Tumor-related effects: Certain tumors can interfere with the normal balance and stability of hormones in the body, leading to sodium imbalances.
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Gastrointestinal problems: Diarrhea, malabsorption, or vomiting due to cancer or its treatment can also contribute to excessive sodium loss.
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Kidney or Liver Impairment: Cancers that impact the kidney or liver can lead to fluid overload due to low sodium levels.
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Excessive fluid intake: Cancer patients may consume sufficient water for side effects of medication and dry mouth, leading to diluted sodium levels.
Complications of untreated hyponatremia
Hyponatremia or low sodium levels that occur slowly or decrease slightly may not result in complications when treated on time. However, if there is a sudden drop in sodium levels (less than 48 hours) or if the sodium levels are too low, there is a risk of serious problems if left untreated. These complications include:
How is hyponatremia treated in cancer patients?
Doctors treat low sodium levels based on severity.
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Liquid Limit: Limit the intake of liquids, such as water, coffee, tea, or soups, to reduce the risk of further dilution of sodium levels.
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IV Sodium Solution: Provide intravenous saline or high-torton saline in severe cases to slowly restore lost sodium levels.
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Medicine: Vaptans (e.g. Tolvaptan, Demeclocycline, or Conivaptan): Blocks excessive ADH release, restores sodium levels, and diuretics remove too much water while maintaining the sodium balance in the body.
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Treatment of the underlying cause: Address certain conditions such as cancer, SIADH, and renal dysfunction that are causing low sodium levels.
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Adjusting Cancer Treatment: If chemotherapy or other cancer drugs have low levels of sodium in the blood, your doctor can adjust the treatment plan.
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Hospitalization: In severe cases where symptoms such as coma, seizures, or confusion occur, doctors may seek immediate hospitalization for close monitoring.
When do you seek medical assistance?
If you or your loved one has cancer, see your healthcare provider immediately.
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Serious confusion
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Severe fatigue
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Crucifixion
Doctors will assist in blood tests to determine sodium levels and provide the correct treatment.
Tips for preventing low sodium levels in cancer patients
Follow these tips to prevent a drop in sodium levels in the blood.
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Drink water (but not excessive): Drink moderate amounts of water as excessive hydration can worsen hyponatremia.
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Monitor the drug: Certain cancer drugs can cause sodium imbalances and cause side effects. So talk to your doctor about them.
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Monitor electrolytes regularly: Perform frequent blood tests to track sodium levels and modify treatments as needed.
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Dietary Changes: Increases sodium (salt) intake by consuming sodium-rich foods (under the supervision of a doctor) and adjusting sodium levels.
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Treatment for related conditions: For example, receive appropriate treatment for conditions that contribute to a low sodium level, such as a particular cancer or its treatment or SIADH.
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Beware of symptoms: If you have medical problems like cancer, which can increase the likelihood of low sodium levels, beware of symptoms of low blood sodium.
Does balancing sodium levels improve cancer survival?
yes! a study We found that initial sodium correction in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients significantly improved treatment outcomes and survival. Maintaining a stable sodium balance can be experienced by cancer patients.
- Better treatment response
- Improving cognitive function
- Reduced risk of hospitalization
Final thoughts
Recognize symptoms of low sodium cancer; from nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, muscle convulsions to early diagnosis and treatment, from severe confusion, seizures, coma,
Regular sodium monitoring, proper hydration, and timely medical interventions can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, consult your doctor about monitoring sodium levels to ensure a safer and more effective recovery journey.
If a cancer patient experiences serious confusion, seizures, or unconsciousness, it is essential to seek emergency medical care.
If you want to learn more, talk to your healthcare provider or American Cancer Society For further insight.
Read again: Causes of low sodium levels in elderly people
FAQ
Which cancers cause low sodium levels?
Cancers like small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cause lower sodium levels more frequently. Other cancers may include non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer.
What drink is suitable for low sodium?
Drinks such as electrolyte solutions, coconut water, and sports drinks are great for raising sodium levels.
How long does it take to fix low sodium?
It may take 24 hours to several days to fix low sodium levels that may vary depending on the cause and severity of the sodium imbalance.
What is the relationship between non-small cell lung cancer and hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is an electrolyte disorder in cancer patients, a negative prognostic factor for non-small cell lung cancer, which is associated with increased mortality (destined to death) and reduced clinical outcomes.
