Lung cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the lungs. It can cause a range of symptoms and early warning signs that may indicate the presence of the disease. Early detection and treatment of lung cancer can improve the chances of successful treatment and survival.
2. Lung Cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs. A person’s
lungs are two spongy organs present in their chest that
takes in oxygen when a person inhales and releases carbon
dioxide when they exhale. Lung cancer is one of the the
leading causes of cancer deaths all around the world.
People who are habitual of smoking are at higher risk of
developing lung cancer; however, lung cancer can also
occur in people who have never smoked in their entire life.
The lung cancer risk increases with the time length and with
the number of cigarettes a person has smoked. If one quits
smoking after smoking for many years, one can significantly
reduce their chances of developing lung cancer.
3. EARLY SIGNS OF LUNG CANCER
The majority of the time, early signs of lung cancers are
not visible unless and until the disease has advanced, partly
because the lungs have few nerve endings. In case when
lung cancer causes symptoms and indications in its early
stages, it can vary from one person to another.
Nevertheless, lung cancer symptoms might include the
following -
4. A person might feel weak or tired.
A cough that is continuous and keeps worsening, or
there’s a change in an existing chronic cough.
Blood producing cough.
Wheezing or hoarseness.
Pain in the back, shoulders or chest that worsens while
coughing, deep breathing or laughing.
Unexplained weight loss.
Sudden shortness of breath occurs at the time of regular
everyday activities.
Loss of appetite.
Lung infections like pneumonia or bronchitis that won't
go away.
5. COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LUNG
CANCER INCLUDE
Repeated respiratory infections - Lung cancers block
the airway, which causes frequent infections such as
pneumonia and bronchitis.
Chronic cough - People suffering from lung cancer
many often complain about a cough that doesn’t go
away; a chronic cough can last for the time period of at
least eight weeks.
Coughing up blood - Even if the blood is just of small
amount, coughing up bloody mucus or blood is a reason
to call the doctor.
6. Chest pain - In case when a lung tumor causes
tightness in the chest or presses on nerves; a person
might feel pain in their chest, especially when the
person’s coughing, laughing or breathing deeply.
Shortness of breath - Lung cancer causes the passage
of the airway to narrow, which can lead to difficulty in
breathing.
Hoarseness - Tumor or chronic coughing interfering with
the individual’s vocal cords might cause people suffering
from lung cancer to have a harsh voice.
7. TIME TO SEE A DOCTOR
The above-mentioned symptoms can generally result from
other health issues as well other than lung cancer.
However, as discussed, these symptoms might be the signs
of cancer; any person who experiences any of the following
health problems must visit a doctor-
A cough-producing blood
A cough that lasts more than the time period of 2–3
weeks
continuous shortness of breath
A persistent cough that keeps worsening
Pain or ache while coughing or breathing
Weight loss without any clear reason
Continuous fatigue or tiredness
Repetitive chest infections
