Lung Cancer Symptoms
Lung cancer is the most fatal of all cancers worldwide, and one of the leading causes of death in the USA – so it’s important that you know the earliest detectable lung cancer symptoms. If caught early, lung cancer will be much easier to treat – and thus, chance of survival increases.
Several lung cancer symptoms that might not be considered cancer-related if you don’t know about them can give you an early lead on potential lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Symptom #1 – Back, Chest, or Shoulder Pain
Unexplained chronic pain in the back, chest, or shoulders can be caused by a tumor pressing on the lung lining. If you have chest pain, it can be mistaken for heartburn in some occasions – and if you have back or shoulder pain that doesn’t go away with massage or chiropractic work, it’s worth mentioning to do your doctor.
Lung Cancer Symptom #2 – Swelling on your Face or Neck
Pressure from a tumor in a certain part of the lung can block the veins that take blood from the head and neck, leading to swelling and redness in that area. Lymphatic drainage can also be affected, so if a minor injury on the head or neck becomes unexpectedly infected or fails to heal, lung cancer can be at fault.
Lung Cancer Symptom #3 – Chronic Pneumonia and/or Bronchitis
Tumor cells can trap bacteria and viruses inside the lung, which frequently leads to pneumonia or bronchitis. Because smoking cigarettes can also lead to these diseases, it can be easy for a doctor to miss this symptom in smokers.
Lung Cancer Symptom #4 – Gynomastia
In laymen’s terms – man-boobs. Some forms of lung cancer produce significant amounts of an estrogen-like hormone that can cause the development of breasts in males.
Lung Cancer Symptom #5 – Hoarseness
Particularly upwardly situated tumors can press on the voice box, resulting in hoarse speech. Rarely, a tumor can also interfere with the nerves that control the vocal cords, with a similar result.
Later in the progress of lung cancer, more symptoms surface that doctors have an easier time recognizing.
Lung Cancer Symptom #6 – Persistent Cough That Gets Worse Over Time
While there are many potential causes for a persistent cough, coughs that consistently become nastier and nastier are a major warning sign of lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Symptom #7 – Coughing Up Blood
Similarly, coughing up blood is merely indicative of internal bleeding into the lungs. When paired with a few of the early warning signs above, however, it can point toward a tumor.
Lung Cancer Symptom #8 – Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is a warning sign that points toward cancer, especially if your appetite is still healthy. Again, if you find that this is affecting you, it’s time to look for the earlier warning signs and inform your doctor.
After cancer has taken a firm hold – and most hope of treatment has passed – more common symptoms come up.
- Bone pain
- Aching joints
- Blood clots
- Bone fractures not related to injuries
- Inability to walk steadily
- Intermittent memory loss
All of these symptoms come from the various tissues and internal structures that the tumor(s) commonly impact as they develop.
Your doctor has many options to screen for lung cancer, and it is always wise to remain optimistic until a diagnosis can be proven. If you read through this list and you notice several of these symptoms that apply to you, don’t worry yourself until a diagnosis has been given.