Watch out for Seven Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer

A persistent cough, persistent hoarseness of voice, wheezing respiration, any changes in chronic cough, shortness of breath and unexplained weight loss can be early symptoms of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The principal risk factor for lung cancer is active smoking. Passive smoking can also cause it.

Lung cancer is of two types small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Both types spread and grow differently. The extent to which cancer spreads in the body decides the stage.

Combination surgery, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and other newer experimental methods are involved in the treatment of lung cancer.

The prognosis of lung cancer is very poor. In most of the cases the disease remains undiagnosed until it reaches the advanced stage as there may be no noticeable symptoms in early stage. If lung cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is about 54%. But if the disease is diagnosed in advance stage then five-year survival rate decreases to just 4%.

In this article, we will talk in detail about common and early symptoms of lung cancer. Learn what to listen for and watch out for initial screening of the disease.

Early symptoms of lung cancer

1. A persistent cough-

A cough that is associated with a respiratory infection or common cold goes away in 7-14 days. Never dismiss a stubborn and tenacious mucus producing or a dry cough and see your doctor immediately.

2. Wheezing respiration-

When an individual with his constricted airways exhales, a whistling sound is generated that is termed as wheezing. Wheezing may be a symptom of many lung diseases including lung cancer. When a tumor extends pressure on airways wheezing is produced.

3. Any changes in a cough-

If you have a chronic cough and you see any difference such as a cough sounds become more hoarse or deep, cough is often, the amount of mucus is unusual or contains blood it is the time to visit your doctor.

4. Chest pain-

Pain in the chest, back or shoulder may be associated with lung cancer. It may be caused by metastasis to the chest wall, ribs or pleura or enlarged lymph nodes. The character of pain may be dull sharp intermittent or constant.

5. Changes in breathing-

Shortness of breath is a possible symptom associated with lung cancer. The symptoms is caused due to the narrowing or blocking of the airways. Fluid from the tumor may also build up in the lungs and cause breathing changes.

6. Changes in voice-

In case you experience persistent hoarseness or any other significant change in your voice meet your doctor as it may be related to lung cancer.

7. Unexplained weight loss-

An inexplicable drop in weight more than 10 pounds may be associated with any kind of cancer including lung cancer. The reason behind is cancer cells are using energy.

If you, any of your family member or close ones is suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is essential to consult a doctor. The doctor may order an x-ray and other tests after listening to your lung for proper diagnosis and treatment.