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Stage 1 Lung Cancer: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
By Raveena M Prakash
Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers across the globe. These cancers are often diagnosed later in stages when treatment options are limited and the chance of recovery is reduced. When these cancers are caught in their early stage 1, the chances of successful treatment and survival are going to increase exponentially. Stage 1 lung cancer often means that the cancer is still localized to the lung and has not yet spread to lymph nodes or distant organs, making it a crucial time for medical intervention.
In this blog, we’ll discover more common signs of these cancers and when you can take actions to save your life!
What is Stage 1 Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is primarily classified into two types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer. Stage 1 lung cancer refers to the earliest stages of cancer of either of these types, when the cancer is confined to the lung and has not yet started to spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
Stage 1 lung cancer has further classified into:
These may include:
- Stage 1 A
- Stage 1 B
Stage 1 cancer has a better prognosis (chance of recovery or better treatment outcomes), but it still lacks more obvious symptoms, which is why regular screenings and cancer awareness are so important.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. These types of cancers often account for over 80% of cancers in the lungs. Some of the common types of cancer may include adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
Small cell lung cancer grows more quickly and is considered harder to treat when compared to NSCLC. These cancers are often found as relatively small lung tumors that have already spread to other parts of the body. There are specific types of small cell lung cancer, which include small cell carcinoma, also known as (oat cell carcinoma), and combined small cell carcinoma.
Common symptoms of Stage 1 Lung Cancer
The earliest and most common symptoms of stage 1 lung cancer are found during a routine screening. Here are some of the common symptoms of these cancer that do cause symptoms in people,
These may include:
- Cough that continues
- Chronic cough that gets worse
- Coughing up bloody mucus
- Chest pain
- Frequent lung infections
Signs of Stage 1 Lung Cancer: Subtle Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
In its early stages, cancer can appear as quiet, as there are some symptoms that may not be noticeable. Some of these symptoms may resemble those of less serious conditions like a cold or respiratory infection.
- Persistent cough: If you are experiencing a cough that doesn’t go away or worsens over time, it is considered one of the most common signs of these cancers. If you have had a cough for weeks or months that’s different from your usual, or it has changed in intensity or characteristics, such as becoming deeper, harsher, or accompanied by coughing up blood, then it’s important to get checked out.
- Shortness of breath: If you are experiencing even a mild shortness of breath without any obvious cause, it can be considered a warning sign of these cancers. If you suddenly feel difficulty in breathing while at rest or after performing any activities, it can be a sign that something is not right.
- Coughing up blood: If you are coughing up blood, even in small amounts, then it is a serious concern that should never be ignored. It can be caused by chronic bronchitis or a respiratory infection; it may be a sign of early stage cancer.
- Unexplained weight loss: Unexplained weight loss means losing more than 50% of your body weight without trying, and it can be a sign of many types of cancers, including cancer in the lungs.
- Fatigue: If you are feeling more tired than usual, even after getting enough rest, it can be a sign of many serious diseases, including cancer. In stage 1 lung cancer, the body’s energy may be diverted towards the tumor, leaving you feeling worn out or weak.
- Recurrent respiratory infections: If you are having frequent respiratory infections or have a history of recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia, it can sometimes be considered as a sign that something serious is going on.
What are the risk factors for Stage 1 lung cancer?
Anyone can develop lung cancer, while there are certain factors that increase the risk. The most significant risk factor for these cancers is smoking, both for active and passive smokers. However, many studies have suggested that non-smokers can also develop these cancers, especially those with a family history of cancer or a history of exposure to secondhand smoke or other carcinogens like radon, asbestos, or air pollution.
People at higher risk for these cancers should also discuss regular cancer screenings with their doctor, as early detection can dramatically improve the cancer treatment outcomes.
Risk factors for lung cancer
- Smoking: This is the most significant risk factor for cancer in the lungs.
- Secondhand smoke: A wide exposure to smoke from cigarettes inhaled by non-smokers.
Environmental and lifestyle factors
- Radon: This is naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in every household.
- Asbestos: This is a fibrous material found in some older building materials.
- Air pollution: A wide exposure to polluted air can contribute to these types of cancer.
Occupational exposure: There are certain jobs that may involve the exposure to the cancer causing agents like carcinogens like chromium, nickel, and arsenic.
Family history/ Genetics: People belonging to a family history of cancer in the lungs can increase your risk of developing.
Anyone can develop lung cancer, while there are certain factors that increase the risk. The most significant risk factor for these cancers is smoking, both for active and passive smokers. However, many studies have suggested that non-smokers can also develop these cancers, especially those with a family history of cancer or a history of exposure to secondhand smoke or other carcinogens like radon, asbestos, or air pollution.
People at higher risk for these cancers should also discuss regular cancer screenings with their doctor, as early detection can dramatically improve the cancer treatment outcomes.
Risk factors for lung cancer
- Smoking: This is the most significant risk factor for cancer in the lungs.
- Secondhand smoke: A wide exposure to smoke from cigarettes inhaled by non-smokers.
Environmental and lifestyle factors
- Radon: This is naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in every household.
- Asbestos: This is a fibrous material found in some older building materials.
- Air pollution: A wide exposure to polluted air can contribute to these types of cancer.
Occupational exposure: There are certain jobs that may involve the exposure to the cancer causing agents like carcinogens like chromium, nickel, and arsenic.
Family history/ Genetics: People belonging to a family history of cancer in the lungs can increase your risk of developing.
When to consult a doctor?
If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms and they continue for more than two weeks, it's important to schedule an appointment with your doctor. A healthcare provider can perform diagnostic tests, like X-rays, CT scans, or biopsies, to determine if lung cancer has developed in suspected patients.
If you have a higher risk of developing these types of cancer, being a current or former smoker, talk to your doctor about low-dose CT screenings. These CT screenings can help to detect early stage lung cancer in high-risk individuals and have been shown to improve survival rates.
Consult Today
Lung cancer is a life-threatening and complex disease, but when detected early, especially in early stages, there are high chances of successful treatment outcomes and improved survival rates. Understanding the symptoms of stage 1 lung cancer is often subtle and mild, and they are often mistaken for less serious health conditions. It’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms, like cough, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, or chest pain, and seek medical advice if any of these symptoms exist.
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 consultation. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the common symptoms of lung cancer, including:
- A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time
- Trouble breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Blood in the cough
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Shoulder pain
- Swelling in the pain, neck or back
Smoking is considered the leading factor for developing lung cancer. Studies have shown that approximately 20% of people diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked. That’s why it's important to talk to your health provider if you experience any of the symptoms.
The side effects of lung cancer treatment mainly depending on the type of treatment.
Here are some of the side effects of cancer treatments, which may include:
- Chemotherapy: Nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, mouth sores, loss of feeling, weakness or tingling
- Immunotherapy: Fatigue, itchy area, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, joint pain,
- Radiation therapy: Shortness of breath, cough, pain, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, dry and itchy skin, nausea, and vomiting.
- Surgery : shortness of breath, chest wall pain, cough and fatigue
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