What is the connection between the two conditions?
Emphysema and lung cancer are two different conditions, but they have the same risk factors. The risk factor common to the two conditions is cigarette smoking. They both disrupt the activity of the immune system, cause inflammation and damage to the lung cells.
Studies show that the physiology of emphysema does not lead to lung cancer. However, either condition can create an environment for the other to thrive. For instance, cell damage from emphysema can lead to genetic changes and stress in the tissues of the lungs. Also, cancer cells can destroy alveoli and other lung tissues leading to COPD-like conditions.
Research shows that emphysema is the most potent marker for the development of lung cancer. This means that people with emphysema are more susceptible to having lung cancer.