Let’s face it!
Cancer is one of the most lethal conditions in the world right now.
Lung cancer is the second most common and lethal type of cancer in both males and females (source). According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 234000 new cases are diagnosed and over 154000 resulting deaths recorded annually in the US.
Smokers face a higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers, but the causes can differ between males and females, age, and life expectancies. Most symptoms tend to be universal, but may also differ greatly depending on gender, age, lifestyle, etc.
Like many other cancers, lung cancer symptoms remain hidden and only develop as the cancer progresses. However, early detection of lung cancer can save your life and this article gets a little bit into that.
In this article, we uncover 4 early signs and symptoms of lung cancer that no one should ignore.
Let’s dive right in.
1. Persistent Chronic Cough
This is one of the earliest sign and symptom of lung cancer. It occurs when a tumor in the lungs pushes your bronchi and trigger your cough receptors. A cough is a non-specific symptom and cancer should not be the first thing that comes into your mind when you cough.
Viral and bacterial infection like common colds and flu can also persist for weeks.
However, if you have a persistent cough (lasting for 2-3 weeks), which is not connected to any bacterial or viral infection, it is best you get tested for lung cancer (source).
2. Shortness of Breath
Dyspnea or ‘shortness of breath’ is another potential symptom for lung cancer (source). Although it is most prevalent and noticeable during later stages, it also occurs in the early stages.
Shortness of breath also occurs when a growing tumor obstructs your airway and prevents you from breathing normally. It is also a non-specific symptom since other conditions like asthma, TB, flu and common cold also distracts normal breathing patterns. However, if you experience any frequent, unexplained shortness of breath it is best to have it investigated by your doctor.
3. Coughing up Blood
Also known as hemoptysis, coughing blood is another common symptom associated with lung cancer (source). It occurs when a tumor pushes against your tract walls and discharges blood through your respiratory tract.
Hemoptysis is a non-specific symptom for lung cancer and can occur during other condition like bronchitis, esophageal cancer, lung abscess, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory infections. Prolonged and unexplained coughing of blood is, however, a cause for concern and you should contact your doctor immediately.
4. Chest Pain
Chest pain can be a sign of various conditions including lung cancer (source). It occurs when cancer spreads to the chest area and cause your lymph nodes to swell. Pain spreads to your back, shoulders, or chest and gets worse when you laugh, cough or breathe deeply. Chest pain from lung cancer may also result from metastasis (the spread of cancer from other organs to the chest area).
Since chest pain may be a sign and symptom of several conditions, it’s essential to seek medical advice when you experience any unexplained discomfort in your chest area.
Conclusion
Many symptoms can depict the existence of cancerous cells within the body. Although we shared the four main symptoms for lung cancer, there are many other symptoms like fatigue, sweating during the night, and muscle & joint pain (source). Frequent checkups can help with early detection, which improves the chances of beating lung cancer.
We wish all those battling this monster all the best and quick recovery.
References
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0215/p250.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0012369215528432
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