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Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer You Shouldn’t Overlook
By Raveena M Prakash
Lung cancer is a significant health concern across the world. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in men than women. This type of cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women across the world. Spotting the early symptoms of lung cancer can drastically improve the survival rates and effectiveness of treatment outcomes.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into some of the early symptoms, why early detection matters, and when you should visit a doctor!
Early symptoms of lung cancer
Lung cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. In most cases, people won’t have any major symptoms until they reach an advanced stage.
Here are some of the symptoms:
Persistent cough that won’t improve
A chronic cough lasting more than 2 or 3 weeks is one of the common signs of cancer development in the lungs. While a cold infection might cause a temporary cough, one that remains without a clear cause could be a sign of cancer.
Watch out for:
- Dry or wet cough
- Cough gets worse over time
- Experiencing coughing at night or early morning
Shortness of breath
If you experience any shortness of breath while doing any physical activities like walking or climbing stairs, then this could be due to cancer or abnormalities in lung function. One of the warning signs of slowing down the lung function is due to the tumor obstructing the airways.
Experiencing wheezing
If you are experiencing wheezing, then it can be caused by asthma or allergies, but it may also indicate a sign of a tumor narrowing down the airways. If it starts to appear suddenly or only on one side of the body, then seek medical advice.
Blood in the cough (Hemoptysis)
If you are seeing blood in the sputum, then this is not normal. This is a serious concern that requires immediate medical evaluation.
Unexplainable fatigue
The growth of cancer in the lungs can drain your energy levels. If you are constantly experiencing a sense of exhaustion even after getting proper sleep and rest, then it could be a sign that your body has started to fight something serious.
Chest pain
Experiencing chest discomfort or a dull ache that worsens with breathing, coughing, or laughing could be a warning sign of cancer. This often feels like tightness or pressure rather than a sharp pain.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without even trying is a common sign of many cancers, including lung cancer. If you are losing more than 5 kgs in a short time, it should not be ignored.
Hoarseness (voice changes)
When the tumor starts to press the nerves that control your vocal cords, it can often lead to a hoarse voice. When your voice changes and remains different for more than two weeks, then do not ignore this. Consult a doctor immediately.
Bone pain
Metastatic lung cancer can often spread to the bones. If you are experiencing back pain, or any pain in the ribs, or hips especially at night can often be linked to the spread of metastatic cancer.
Frequent infections
If you are experiencing recurring bronchitis or pneumonia, it might indicate that a tumor is blocking a specific part of your lung, which further makes the bacteria grow.
Why is early diagnosis crucial?
Regular screening tests can detect lung carcinoma in its initial stages, improving the treatment outcomes and survival rates. According to the American Cancer Association, the five-year survival rate for localized cancer is 63%. However, it stops dramatically once it spreads.
Whether you are a non-smoker or smoker, anyone can develop cancer in their lungs. There are some factors like secondhand smoke, exposure to air pollutants, family history of cancer, and previous lung diseases that can also increase the risk of this cancer.
Performing a regular lung screening and early diagnosis is crucial in lung cancer treatments. Immediate medical attention can improve the effectiveness of treatments and enhance the quality of patients' lives.
When should you visit a doctor?
Consult a healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms. Don’t wait any longer for symptoms to become severe.
These may include:
- A cough that won’t improve with treatments or worsens over time
- Experiencing any kind of breathing difficulties
- Blood in the cough
Don’t delay; consult a healthcare professional, as it could save lives!
Consult Today
Lung cancer rarely shows any symptoms in the early stages, and while some of the symptoms can happen early, they won't appear until it reaches the advanced stages. That’s why it’s important to get screened for this type of cancer if you are in high-risk groups.
At Oncare, we offer premium- quality cancer treatments including advanced cancer surgeries at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialist today. Don’t wait any longer, get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some symptoms of lung cancer.
These may include:
- A cough that doesn’t disappear or gets worse over time
- Trouble breathing
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Chest pain
- Discomfort
- Wheezing
- Blood in the cough (hemoptysis)
- Hoarseness
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chronic fatigue or tiredness
- Shoulder pain
- Swelling in the pain, neck, arms of upper chest
- Horner’s syndrome
Here are some of the tests to be performed to diagnose lung cancer.
These may include:
- Blood tests
- Imaging
- Biopsy
- Molecular tests
A vape is a device that is used to inhale a mist of nicotine and flavoring that can cause cancer in people. Vaping is responsible for long-term effects. However, experts believe that it has the potential to cause lung damage.
These may include:
- Exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke
- Exposed to harmful distances such as radon, asbestos, uranium, diesel exhaust, silica, coal products, and toxins in the air
- Previous radiation treatments to the chest ( Breast cancer or lymphoma)
- Family history of cancer