Lung Cancer Symptoms

Unfortunately, lung cancer symptoms are not evident in its The cancer which affects the lungs and also any part of the respiratory system is the lung cancer.

This is the malignant growth of cells in these areas or regions.

It is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, among both men and women. It claims more lives than colon, prostate, lymph and breast cancer combined.

Most of these lung cancer deaths could be prevented as smoking accounts for nearly 90 percent of the cases. Smoking is the greatest risk factor for lung cancer. Although the risk of cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes one smoke’s, quitting smoking can, over time, gradually reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Other risk factors for showing lung cancer symptoms are the exposure to radon, asbestos and secondhand smoke. Lung cancer is better prevented rather than treated or cured because in majority of the cases the disease is detected at an advanced stage making it difficult for treating. (Lung Cancer Treatment)

Common Lung Cancer Symptoms

In the early stages of the disease the lung cancer does not show any symptoms meaning the lung cancer symptoms are rather predicted only when the disease has reached its advanced stage.

But when lung cancer symptoms do occur, the most common warning sign is a cough, which occurs when a tumor irritates the lining of the airways or blocks the passage of air.

The other common lung cancer symptom is a shortness of breath that is mistaken to be caused by a respiratory illness. In addition to a new cough, the other lung cancer symptoms include:

• A new cough or a cough that does not go away which is termed as the “Smoker’s cough” that worsens in due course of time. The severity and the duration of the cough vary in smokers tremendously making it fatal.
• A bloody mucus or blood in the cough may be noticed.
• Weight loss and loss of appetite.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Swollen neck and face.
• Ongoing respiratory infections, such as pneumonia which don’t go easily
• Repeated bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis
• Pain in the chest, shoulder or back that does not go away and often gets worse with deep breathing
• Shortness of breath
• New onset of wheezing may also be one of the lung cancer symptom
• Hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks
• Increasing fatigue and weakness.
• Clubbing of the fingers and toes.
• The nails appear to bulge out more than normal

The lung cancer symptoms which appear when this disease spreads to other parts of the body (metastasized) are headaches or bone pain. All the above mentioned lung cancer symptoms may also be similar to other respiratory infections or less serious health problems but it is very important not to neglect the onset of these indications and doctor be consulted immediately to avoid any further complications.