Lung Cancer is among the leading causes of worldwide cancer deaths. Usually, the symptoms of this cancer do not manifest at the early stages. But the signs and symptoms of lung cancer typically occur when the disease is advanced.
Most lung cancers don’t cause symptoms until the disease has advanced. But, the lung cancer early symptoms may include a slight cough or shortness of breath. However, the symptoms of lung cancer depend upon the part of the lungs which is being affected.
Researchers estimated the five-year survival rate for late-stage lung cancer is less than 10 per cent. Taking note of certain indiscrete symptoms and seeking your doctor’s opinion is good for your overall health.
Lung cancer can be fatal, but timely diagnosis and treatments can save a person’s life. Though the onset of symptoms is unnoticeable yet, your body will give a constellation of clues that something is wrong.
So, what are the early signs of lung cancer? In this blog, we will look at 7 signs of lung cancer you must be aware of.
What are the 7 Signs of Lung Cancer?
A Persistent Cough
If a cough is associated with a cold or respiratory infection, it will go away in a week or ten days. But a persistent cough could be one of the early signs of lung cancer. Moreover, if you cough more often or cough up blood, you must not ignore it.
Don’t try to ignore a stubborn cough or a cough that produces mucus. Additionally, if you feel any changes in the chronic cough, especially if you smoke, then you must consult your doctor immediately.
Change or Difficulty in Breathing
Shortness of breath can be one of the early symptoms of lung cancer. Lung cancer blocks or narrows an airway which lets changes in your breathing. If it gets difficult for you to breathe after performing a task or climbing stairs, don’t ignore it.
Your lungs produce a wheezing or whistling sound when your airways become constricted or inflamed. This can happen because of multiple causes, but wheezing is also a symptom of lung cancer. It is ideal to meet your doctor and confirm the cause.
Hoarseness
Has your voice changed, or does it sound high-pitched? These changes in your voice can be the symptoms of lung cancer.
Lung cancer affects the nerves of your vocal cords and makes changes in your voice. You should consult with your doctor if you see any changes in your voice.
Bronchitis or Pneumonia
Chronic bronchitis or pneumonia that keeps coming back or doesn’t go away is also an early indication of lung cancer.
The symptoms of bronchitis or pneumonia include cough, shortness of breath, fever or chest discomfort. See your doctor immediately if you encounter any of these symptoms.
Chest Pain
One of the beginning signs of lung cancer is chest pain. Pain in the chest could indicate that there are blockages in your lungs, such as tumours, enlarged lymph, or fluid build-up. You must notice when your chest pain aggravates while breathing deeply, coughing, or laughing.
Moreover, you must pay attention to whether the pain is sharp, dull, or constant. A chest infection that does not respond to antibiotics could also be one of the lung cancer warning signs. Persistent chest pain can also be an indicator of a growing tumour against your nerve end. You must not ignore these signs and meet your doctor as soon as possible.
Body Pain
Another one of the early signs lung cancer can be aggravated pain in your chest, shoulders, or back. When lung cancer spreads to your bones, it produces pain in your back or other areas of your body. Bone pain gets worse at night and increases with movement.
Headaches can also be a sign that lung cancer has metastasised to the brain. However, not all headaches are linked with brain metastases. So to find the real reason behind these pains, you must book a doctor’s appointment.
Weight loss and Fatigue
Weight loss and fatigue are non-specific symptoms of lung cancer. Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite could be a warning sign of a cancer tumour. Cancer-related weight loss is known as cachexia.
If you have not made any significant changes in your diet, but still, you are losing weight, then this weight loss could be one of the lung cancer early signs.
Moreover, experiencing tiredness or weakness could be a sign of cancer. A dramatic reduction in energy levels indicates that something wrong is going on with your body. When cancer advances, it takes a toll on the body’s energy system.
When to See a Doctor
During the initial stage of lung cancer, people can have few or no symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can improve your condition. Moreover, people who receive lung cancer treatment at an early stage have more chances of living a longer life.
Amandeep Group of Hospitals: Best Lung Cancer Treatment Hospital
Amandeep Group of Hospitals has a top-notch healthcare department for treating lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. At Amandeep Hospitals, the team of the best lung cancer surgeons offers A-class treatment to patients facing cancer challenges.
We at Amandeep Hospital, believe that correct information about the disease is essential for the treatment process. Our surgeons have vast experience in handling all sorts of lung cancer cases.
So, if you have got diagnosed with lung cancer, and are looking for additional support, worry not. Our experts will guide you through and help you embark on your journey towards wellness.