Pathophysiology and diagnosis of dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer.

The reported prevalence of dyspnea in patients with various cancers ranges from 19% to 64%. For optimal clinical management of dyspnea in cancer patients, accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause and thorough understanding of the pathomechanisms of dyspnea seems mandatory. The clinical approach to a patient with advanced cancer and dyspnea should include adequate history taking, physical examination, and selected diagnostic investigations. These should be performed immediately to enable quick treatment decisions. In addition, self assessment of the intensity of dyspnea by the patient may help to assess patient's needs as soon as possible.