Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer You Should Not Ignore!

Lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among both men and women. Also known as carcinoma of the lung, lung cancer happens due to uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.

People who have a family history of lung cancer are at increased risk. Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas or other harmful gases.

This is because this cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, making it more difficult to treat. In many cases, it may not show any noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

Thus, it is essential to know the potential signs and symptoms of lung cancer, so it is required to consult your doctor and treat it in the early stages.

Here are the 10 signs and symptoms of lung cancer you should not ignore.

1. Chronic Coughing

Everyone suffers from colds and coughs from time to time. But if you have chronic cough that lasts three weeks or more and no other symptoms of a cold, it can be an early sign of lung cancer.

2. Coughing up Blood

If you are coughing up blood (hemoptysis), whether the amount is small or large, see your doctor as soon as possible to find out the cause.

This can indicate lung cancer, particularly if you are a smoker. Both non-small cell lung carcinoma and small cell lung carcinoma can cause this symptom.

3. Wheezing Sound

When airways become constricted, blocked or inflamed, it results in a wheezing or whistling sound when you breathe out.

The most common causes of wheezing are asthma and allergies. However, it can also be a symptom of lung cancer.

4. Shortness of Breath

Being short of breath or becoming easily winded may also indicate lung cancer. About 9 out of 10 people who have advanced lung cancer experience this symptom.

If lung cancer is present, shortness of breath may occur if there is blockage in the airway or if fluid from a lung tumor builds up in the chest.

5. Chest and Bone Pain

Chest pain that worsens with coughing, laughing or deep breathing is often an early symptom of lung cancer. This happens when the cancer spreads to the lining of a lung.

The duration and severity of pain can vary depending on different factors, including local effects of the tumor and regional or distant spread of the tumor.

For unexplained chest or bone pain lasting more than four weeks, always consult your doctor.

6. Frequent Chest Infections

If you frequently suffer from chest infections like bronchitis or pneumonia despite taking antibiotics, it can be a sign of overall poor lung health, including cancer.

When a tumor blocks off an airway, an infection can build up behind the blockage, making it harder to treat even with antibiotics. You may also have a dry, nagging cough that lingers for several weeks.

If your pneumonia or bronchitis doesn’t respond to treatment, ask your doctor to conduct a thorough lung checkup to rule out the possibility of cancer.

7. Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is common when you have a sore throat. However, if you are experiencing pain while swallowing solid or liquid food that persists for a few weeks and even gets worse, it can be a sign of throat or stomach cancer as well as an early sign of lung cancer.

If you are having difficulty swallowing, see your doctor as soon as possible to find out the cause and best treatment options.

8. Raspy, Hoarse Voice

It may also be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergies, persistent coughing, and inhaling respiratory tract irritants.

Hoarseness related to lung cancer occurs when the tumor affects the nerve controlling the vocal chords. Due to the cancer, the vocal chords become irritated and inflamed, leading to changes in your voice.

9. Unexplained Weight Loss

If you are suddenly losing weight, especially when you are not trying to, it can be due to the presence of a cancer.

About 6 out of 10 people with lung cancer experience sudden weight loss. It can also be due to other types of cancer, such as stomach, pancreatic or esophageal cancer.

If you are not dieting and still losing weight, see your doctor to find out the exact cause.

10. Nail Clubbing

Nail clubbing causes several changes in fingernails or toenails. These changes include softening of the nail beds, changes in the angle between the cuticle and the nail, and downward curving of the nail.

If you have nail clubbing along with some of the other symptoms mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.

---

Loading...