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Symptoms of Bronchalveolar Carcinoma

Bronchoalveolar carcinoma is a relatively rare form of "non-small cell" lung cancer. Often referred to simply as BAC, it is a subtype of adenocarcinoma that essentially affects your airways, manifesting as small lesions along the bronchial walls. And like any other form of lung cancer, it causes you to suffer from some of the more standard symptoms of the disease.

  1. Shortness of Breath

    • Of all the symptoms of bronchoalveolar carcinoma, a shortness of breath is probably one of the most common. Since this form of lung cancer is marked by slow growth, the shortness of breath is usually subtle at first and may only be noticed during times of great physical exertion, such as during exercise. But as the cancer progresses, this almost winded sensation can become increasingly more pronounced. Wheezing is also often linked to the shortness of breath, but you may or may not experience this particular symptom.

    Cough

    • With bronchoalveolar carcinoma, it's also common to develop a newfound cough. This cough is typically persistent in nature and often worsens over time, much as shortness of breath does. For some people, this cough is also accompanied by the production of mucus and even blood.

    Pain

    • Another potential symptom of bronchoalveolar carcinoma is pain. This pain is usually isolated within the chest, near the area of the tumor or lesions. It can range in intensity from a dull ache to a sharp, jabbing pain, but it will most likely be a constant sensation.

    Infection

    • It's also not uncommon to experience more frequent infections while dealing with bronchoalveolar carcinoma (as well as other forms of lung cancer). These infections are typically isolated to the upper respiratory tract, manifesting as pneumonia or bronchitis. When these conditions set in, they can often be difficult to shake.

    Digestive Issues

    • Though the cancer is localized within the lungs or bronchial tubes, bronchoalveolar carcinoma can cause some issues involving your digestive system. In this situation, you may begin to experience a loss in appetite. This is often accompanied by a drop in weight and can cause a certain amount of fatigue or exhaustion.

    Inflammation

    • Sometimes, the presence of bronchoalveolar carcinoma can cause some inflammation. This inflammation is usually confined to the neck and face, but it may diffuse out slightly, depending on the progression of the disease.

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