Sometimes lung cancer grows around the airways in the lungs causing them to narrow. This can lead to wheezing, trouble breathing and pneumonia.

A stent can be placed in the upper airways to keep the airway from collapsing inward. This will help to keep the airway open and decrease the symptoms of wheezing, trouble breathing and pneumonia. A stent can be placed with the use of a bronchoscope. This is done in the operating room while the patient is asleep.