[Management of dyspnea in the cancer patient]

Dyspnea is a very common symptom in cancer patients. It is an important symptom because it interferes with patient's quality of life and because its treatment is often difficult. Dyspnea may be defined as an uncomfortable awareness of breathing. Diagnosis relies on physical examination, which intends also to assess severity of dyspnea and etiology. In cancer patients many mechanisms may be involved: tumor progression, side effects of treatments, associated disease especially from cardiac or infectious origin. A specific treatment (whenever it is possible) is associated with symptomatic measures. Oxygen therapy is often used. Morphine can decrease the sensation of dyspnea by its central effects and is useful especially in palliative setting. Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety induced by dyspnea. Physiotherapy, support of patient and family must not be neglected.