Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. It is the second most common cancer in the U.S. Let’s see what are the Lung cancer warning signs.
Most lung cancers do not cause any symptoms until they have spread, but some people with early lung cancer do have symptoms. If you go to your doctor when you first notice symptoms, your cancer might be diagnosed at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be effective
Warning signs of Lung cancer :
- Cough :
Be alert of new cough specially if you are a smoker. If it is due to common cold or other infection then it will go away within a week or so, but if it is persistent for long time like more than 8 weeks then you should think about the possibility of lung cancer.
2. Sound of coughing :
If sound of your coughing is deeper or sounds hoarse, or you’re coughing an unusual amount of mucus, then it’s time to visit a doctor.
3. Coughing up any blood :
Even if it’s just a small amount of blood, coughing up blood or bloody mucus could be an indication of having lung cancer
4. Lung tumors :
Lung tumors can block the airway and cause frequent infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. So, if you have repeated respiratory infection then check it with your doctor. It could be a warning sign of lung cancer
5. Wheezing :
Not all wheezing sounds and shortness of breath during climbing stairs are due to asthma or allergies. Changes in breathing can occur if lung cancer blocks or narrows an airway, or if fluid from a lung tumor builds up in the chest.
When your airways become constricted, blocked, or inflamed, your lungs may produce a wheezing or whistling sound when you breathe. This can have multiple causes, some of which are benign and are easily treatable.
However, wheezing is also a symptom of lung cancer. So always consult your doctor if you find any recent changes.
6. Change in voice :
If you hear a significant change in your voice, or if someone else points out that your voice has changed then visit a doctor.
A simple cold can cause hoarseness, but this symptom may point to something more serious when it persists.
Hoarseness related to lung cancer can occur when the tumor affects the nerve that controls the larynx, or voice box.
7. Unintentional weight loss :
The drop in weigh in cancer may result from an excess use of energy by cancer cells. If you lose more than 10 pounds within a short period of time and there is no significant cause for that, the you should immediately consult your doctor.
8. Chest pain :
Lung cancer may produce pain in the chest, shoulders, or back especially when breathing deeply, coughing or laughing
When lung cancer causes chest pain, the discomfort may result from enlarged lymph nodes or metastasis to the chest wall, the lining around the lungs, called pleura, or the ribs.
9. Bone pain :
The Lung cancer that has spread to your bones may produce pain in your back or in other areas of your body. Bone pain is often worse at night and increases with movement.
10. Other symptoms
Recent headaches, Loss of appetite, facial swelling, feeling tired or weak.
Conclusion :
Many of the above mentioned symptoms can overlap with other conditions, and many of them are very common and mild.
People who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer, though lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked.
The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes you’ve smoked. If you quit smoking, even after smoking for many years, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing lung cancer.
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