7 Early Signs Of Lung Cancer You Must Watch Out For

Introduction

Most likely you have known or heard of someone who has had the disease, and maybe even has died from it. It begins in the cells when a disruption occurs from new cells replacing the old. Some end up forming uncontrollably while others don't die as they are supposed to. A tumor then forms. If it is benign then it is usually not a big issue. But if it is malignant, then it is a big issue.

There are over 100 types of cancer. Most are named after the location which they infect. Lung cancer is one of the most common, and symptoms sometimes don't appear until the late stages. Here are seven early warning signs to detect it before it hits those later stages.

1.Persistent Cough

It could mean a respiratory infection, but if it lasts for more than 2 weeks it may require a chest x-ray, especially if you are coughing up blood.

2.Shortness of Breath

This is another sign which happens due to anemia, fluid in the lungs or abdomen, blood vessel blockage, or tumor growth. If it is unusual, like you climb a flight of stairs and experience shortness of breath whereas you haven't before, then you might want to see a doctor.

3.Chest/Back/Shoulder pain

If chest pain gets worse when laughing, coughing or taking deep breaths then it may be a sign as 25% of patients with lung cancer experience this. There are also many other factors where one experiences pain in these areas as well, so it shouldn't be automatically assumed that cancer is the cause.

4. Wheezing

You probably recognize the sound. It occurs when air is passed through narrow airways. Asthma is a common with wheezing. But if it becomes prolonged and persists, then a visit to the doc should be paid.

5. Unexplained weight loss

Cancer patients frequently experience weight loss and it can actually be one of the first signs of the disease. It could be due to the loss of appetite experienced, an increased metabolic demand, or treatment side effects which include nausea and vomiting.

6. Bone pain

If the lung cancer has metastasized to the bones, then bone pain can occur such as in the backbone, ribs and thigh and hip bones, with increased pain felt with increased activity. See your doctor if this is experienced.

7. Headache

In relation to lung cancer, this can occur as the result of metastasis to the brain. The lung tumor compressing the blood vessels that deliver blood to and from the brain may also result in headaches. Of course, frequent headaches can mean a lot of things so it's not worth it to panic, but rather see your doctor and have them checked out.

Conclusion

Of course having one or more of these symptoms does not by any means translate into you having lung cancer. It is just something to look out for and have it checked out so you can catch it early if by chance it is the case.