10 Common Warning Signs of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms
of cancer, claiming the lives of more than a million people every year.
Despite these worrying numbers, lung cancer is not necessarily a death
sentence if you catch it early enough. The problem is that most people
aren’t aware of the early symptoms, which could potentially save lives.
In this guide, we will review the ten most common early symptoms of lung
cancer, that everyone should know.
1. Chronic Cough
If you’re coughing so often that you’re now hoarse, and the coughing
still won’t stop, it may be a warning sign. Many of us will associate
the coughing initially with a recent cold or seasonal allergies, but if
your cough has been going on for eight or more weeks, consult with your
physician. Patients report the cough worsens at night, making it harder
to sleep. So, if this is the case with you it could be an early
indicator.
2. Quick, Unexplained Weight Loss
Western society tends to celebrate weight loss, which is the result of
the high obesity rates and the subsequent heart diseases they entail. As
nice as it may be to shed those extra pounds, if you’re not actively
trying to lose weight (either by exercising or by dieting), yet it seems
to be dropping nonetheless, you may want to contact your doctor. The
cause of this unexpected weight loss is that your body knows that there
is a tumor growing inside, and it is burning all of its energy reserves
trying to fight it.
3. Labored Breathing
Suffering from shortness of breath or wheezing isn’t necessarily an
indicator of lung cancer, so most people will not associate these
symptoms with this disease. However, if these symptoms appear all of a
sudden, even during activities that you used to do with ease, it may
serve as a warning sign. It is advisable to get checked by your
physician, particularly if you have a history of lung cancer in your
family, or if you are a smoker.
4. Pains in Your Hands and Fingers
If you’re feeling tired and your fingers are hurting, it can be an early
warning sign of cancer. If the skin on your palms is getting thick, and
you notice the appearance of white or pale folds, you might be
experiencing a condition called “tripe palm”, placing you within a
high-risk group for cancer.
5. Chest Pains
If you’re experiencing pain while laughing, coughing, or lifting
something, it might very well be a significant warning sign,
particularly if the pain is persistent. The pain is caused by tumors
that are growing inside your lungs, pressing against the surrounding
tissues. In addition, lung cancer tends to spread to the bones. So if
your chest pains are accompanied by bone pains (especially in the back
or hips), contact your physician immediately!
6. Unexplained Mood Swings
Sudden, unexplained irritability is often a sign of cancer, but most
patients and doctors don’t make the connection right away. If you’re
experiencing sudden bouts of irritability or anger, followed by
depression or exhaustion that is accompanied by other symptoms on this
list - you ought to make a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible.
7. Blood in Your Phlegm
If you notice blood in your phlegm, it is never a good sign, and even
just small spots can spell trouble. While bloody phlegm doesn’t
automatically indicate lung cancer, it’s still a warning sign, so don’t
wait to have it looked at, particularly if you’re coughing up large
amounts of blood, or the bleeding doesn’t stop.
8. Irregularities in Breast Tissues
Men suffering from lung cancer can experience development of breasts, as
the cancer forces the body to release hormones it wouldn’t normally
secrete. Change in the breasts will take place over a period of a few
weeks to a few months. Do not ignore such changes and make it a priority
to consult with your family doctor.
9. Pain in the Shoulders
You may think it’s irrelevant, but chronic shoulder pain can sometimes
be the result of a tumor that is pressuring the nerves in the armpit,
leading to tingling sensations, aches, and shooting pains from the
shoulder and down the arms. This sign is more common in later stages of
the cancer, when the tumor is already very large. You may also feel pain
in the ribs near the armpit, swelling of the lymph nodes and face, and
general aches in your body.
10. Repeated Infections
If you’re suffering from recurring infections, such as pneumonia or
bronchitis, in addition to other infections, particularly of the
airways, know that it is closely associated with lung cancer. These
chronic infections are caused by the body’s immune system being weakened
from battling tumors.