What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
In the early stages of lung cancer, there are usually no symptoms. This is because there are no nerves in the lungs to trigger sensations of pain or irritation. A tumour can grow for many months or even years before symptoms develop. Sometimes, early-stage lung cancer may be detected on an x-ray during a routine check-up. However, in most cases, the cancer is not detected until is has become extensive enough to cause shortness of breath, coughing, pain or other symptoms. When lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as bone, the liver or the brain, it can cause symptoms in these areas.
Caleb you do not have lung cancer but you may have sustained lung damage. General symptoms of lung cancer The symptoms of lung cancer can be * Having a cough most of the time * A change in a cough you have had for a long time * Being short of breath * Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with signs of blood in it * An ache or pain when breathing or coughing * Loss of appetite * Fatigue * Losing weight Less common symptoms of lung cancer There are other symptoms of lung cancer that are less common. They are usually associated with more advanced lung cancer. You may have * A hoarse voice * Difficulty swallowing * Swelling of the face caused by a blockage of a main blood vessel from the head (SVCO) * Swelling in the neck caused by enlarged lymph nodes * Pain or discomfort under your ribs on your right side (from the liver) * Shortness of breath caused by fluid around the lungs (called pleural effusion) WHAT CAUSES LUNG CANCER? Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer. Lung cancer may also be
The following are the most common symptoms for lung cancer, however, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Lung cancer usually does not cause symptoms when it first develops, but they often become present after the tumor begins growing. A cough is the most common symptom of lung cancer. Other symptoms include: • constant chest pain • shortness of breath • wheezing • recurring lung infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis • bloody or rust colored sputum • hoarseness • a tumor that presses on large blood vessels near the lung can cause swelling of the neck and face • a tumor that presses on certain nerves near the lung causing pain and weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand • fever for unknown reason Like all cancers, lung cancer can cause: • fatigue • loss of appetite • loss of weight • headache • pain in other parts of the body not affected by the cancer • bone fractures Other symptoms can be caused by substances made by lung cancer cells referred to as a paraneoplast
Lung cancer can have a variety of symptoms including coughing or wheezing, shortness of breath, recurring respiratory infections, and more. It is important to remember that symptoms rarely occur until the later stage of lung cancer, when cure is far less likely. For more information, visit Symptoms of Lung Cancer.
Cancer symptoms are quite varied and depend on where the cancer is located, where it has spread, and how big the tumor is. Lung cancer symptoms may take years before appearing, usually after the disease is in an advanced stage. Many symptoms of lung cancer affect the chest and air passages. These include: • Persistent or intense coughing • Pain in the chest shoulder, or back from coughing • Changes in color of the mucus that is coughed up from the lower airways (sputum) • Difficulty breathing and swallowing • Hoarseness of the voice • Harsh sounds while breathing (stridor) • Chronic bronchitis or pneumonia • Coughing up blood, or blood in the sputum If the lung cancer spreads, or metastasizes, additional symptoms can present themselves in the newly affected area. Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are common and likely to be present early. If cancer spreads to the brain, patients may experience vertigo, headaches, or seizures. In addition, the liver may become enlarged and cause jaundice
