Pulmonary fibrosis is not a type of cancer. It is a condition in which the lung tissue becomes thickened, stiff and scarred, which makes it difficult for oxygen to pass through the walls of the air sacs and into the bloodstream. This can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue.
Although pulmonary fibrosis is not a form of cancer, it can sometimes occur as a complication of other medical conditions, such as certain autoimmune disorders or as a side effect of certain medications. In some cases, the cause of pulmonary fibrosis is unknown, and it is referred to as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). While IPF is not a cancer, it is a progressive and often fatal disease.
It’s important to note that having pulmonary fibrosis does not increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. However, if you have pulmonary fibrosis, your doctor may recommend regular lung cancer screenings to monitor your overall lung health.
