Hemoptysis

doi:10.1017/9781009500760.022

Chapter 22 - Hemoptysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 April 2026

Jonathan Rowland

Edited by

Angela Bray Lindsay and

Monica Kathleen Wattana

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Angela Bray Lindsay: Affiliation:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Monica Kathleen Wattana: Affiliation:
University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center

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Summary

1. Distinguishing hemoptysis from pseudohemoptysis is crucial for effective management.

2. Hemoptysis in patients with cancer can rapidly progress from mild symptoms such as small streaks of blood in the sputum to life threatening bleeding requiring hemodynamic stabilization depending on tumor type and location

3. CT pulmonary angiography imaging study enables tumor localization and provides a clearer understanding of the appropriate consultant and treatment options.

4. Acquiring a comprehensive history of present and past cancer treatment medications, anticoagulation therapies, and relevant procedures is essential for identifying additional inciting causes for hemoptysis

5. Inhaled TXA is a useful bridging medication that helps to control bleeding while waiting for more definitive management.

Keywords

hemoptysis lung cancer cough dyspnea anemia tranexamic acid TXA anti-coagulation reversal bronchoscopy coughing blood airway obstruction respiratory failure bronchial stent

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Oncologic Emergency Medicine
Clinical Cases Illustrating Key Concepts
, pp. 109 - 113
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009500760.022 [Opens in a new window]
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2026

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