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Sign and Symptoms Associated With Lung Cancer

The lungs are vital for the proper functioning of the human body. The lungs purify the air we breathe in and send it to the rest of the body. An extract from Epidemiology of Lung Cancer says, "In the United States, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women." Lung cancer has multiple classifications, each of which has specific symptoms along with certain common symptoms.

  1. Common Symptoms

    • On MedicineNet.com, Melissa Conrad Stoppler, M.D. explains that up to 25 percent of the individuals who get lung cancer do not have any symptoms when the doctor discovers the cancer. In these cases, the first discovery of cancer is through a routine chest X-ray or CAT scan. Of symptoms that do manifest themselves, the common ones include a persistent cough that was not there earlier. This can sometimes lead to the coughing up of blood. There can also be chest pain, wheezing, and even difficulty breathing. Repeated occurrences of pneumonia and bronchitis are also possible symptoms. A person with lung cancer may also develop a hoarse voice.

    General Symptoms and Signs

    • There are symptoms that manifest with lung cancer and many types of cancer. If you feel tired, weak, and start losing weight suddenly without an explanation, you may want to see your doctor.

      Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a history of one or more lung tumors are signs that you may have or develop lung cancer. In addition, if you are 60 years old or older and you smoke or have smoked, you may be at risk for lung cancer. Early detection of lung cancer will improve the chances of recovery and lessen the chances of it affecting other parts of your body.

    Associated Symptoms

    • The onset of lung cancer can give rise to several associated symptoms. Excessive coughing can lead to swelling of the neck and face. This sometimes puts pressure on the esophagus and results in difficulty swallowing. It can also lead to a heart related ailment called superior vena cava syndrome, where there is excessive pressure on the vena cava artery and the upper body ends up being red and swollen. Lung cancer tumors can also penetrate the heart's covering, known as the pericardium, and result in a cross-contamination of fluids.

    Signs of Spreading

    • Symptoms like breathing trouble and swelling of the body and face in excess are indications that the lung cancer is affecting other parts of the body. Certain other symptoms also indicate the same. Paralysis of the diaphragm is one such symptom that indicates that the disease has spread and requires immediate medical attention. The upper body may also retain excessive fluid, which leads to swelling. The onset of pleural effusion or rather the collection of fluid between the chest wall and lungs can also suggest that the disease has spread.

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