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Cancer Information Tips :: Signs of Lung Cancer
Signs of Lung Cancer: The Warning Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer
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The signs of lung cancer aren't always apparent – whether they're non-specific, common to other diseases or simply don't show up for many patients. Because lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in the country, it's important to be aware of its symptoms and how to detect them.
To learn more about the warning signs associated with lung cancer and how to detect them, keep reading.
Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer
The most common symptoms and signs of lung cancer include:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Coughing up blood from the lungs (hemoptysis)
- Chronic coughing or hacking
- Wheezing
- Pain in the chest or upper abdomen
- Weight loss
- General fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Hoarse voice and sore vocal cords (dysphonia)
- Difficult or painful swallowing (dysphagia)
Pneumonia
If lung cancer develops in the airway, the cancer could obstruct the patient's airflow and breathing. These breathing problems can cause secretions around and behind the cancer blockage – making the patient susceptible to pneumonia. If the patient is already weak or fatigued, the pneumonia can be potentially fatal.
Lambert-Eaton Syndrome
Due to the auto-antibodies created by your body to fight the cancer cells, many patients experience what is called Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. This is a weakening of the muscles throughout the body, causing the patient to become fatigued and generally weak.
Pancoast Tumors
Tumors can often develop in the top of the lung and are a direct result of lung cancer. These tumors can actually invade the nervous system. This invasion, in turn, causes problems with a patient's eye muscles , sweating and sweat patterns, and their hand muscles. The patient's hands are weaker, making them unable to pick up things, squeeze things or lift objects.
Dangers of Lung Cancer Symptoms
One of the most dangerous aspects of many of the symptoms of lung cancer is that they can often be associated with aging, or other diseases.
For example, a patient experiencing weight loss, bone pain, shortness of breath or fever might have those symptoms contributed to another illness. Quite often, patients are misdiagnosed or simply do not seek medical attention until it is too late.
Detecting Lung Cancer
About 10% of patients show no signs of lung cancer at the time of their diagnosis. Instead, their cancer is detected through routine chest x-rays. So, if you suspect you may have lung cancer or are at risk for the disease, ask your doctor for a chest x-ray and preliminary examination today.
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CancerInfoTips.com :: Signs of Lung Cancer