Learning To Identify Common Signs Of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer starts when something causes a healthy cell to become abnormal. The abnormal cell splits, producing another abnormal cell. Under normal circumstances, cell division is controlled by the body, and occurs when there is a need for new cells. With lung cancer (LC), the body loses control of this process. Before long, a tumor forms. If the tumor is malignant, the abnormal cells will begin to multiply, causing the disease to spread (or metastasize) through the body.

It is critical to treat lung cancer as soon as possible. It can spread quickly, limiting treatment options and lowering the patient’s chance of survival. But treating LC requires knowing the disease has occurred in the first place. This means being familiar with the signs, and being able to identify them. We’ll cover the most common symptoms below, both when the condition starts and as it metastasizes.

Early Signs Of The Disease

One of the first symptoms that presents is a persistent cough. A lot of patients dismiss it, believing the cough is due to a cold or some other circumstance. This is often the case even when the cough is accompanied by a tiny bit of bloody sputum (common with lung cancer).

Those with early-stage LC may also have difficulty taking deep breaths following strenuous activity. This too is often ignored, and attributed to poor physical fitness or overexertion.

Some patients experience chronic pain that develops in their chests and shoulders. It may also be felt in their backs. When LC is the reason, the pain is usually due to pressure being placed by the tumor cells on the nerves. Although few people think of lung cancer, this symptom does prompt many to visit their doctors.

An early sign that is easier to identify is an increased susceptibility to infections, such as pneumonia. This can occur when diseased cells accumulate in the patient’s air passages, causing a partial blockage.

How The Condition Presents In Men And Women

Lung cancer can present differently in both genders. For men, the tumor is often found in the air passages. This increases the likelihood of pneumonia as well as a bloody cough, both of which can occur early in the disease’s development. This makes it more likely that the condition is diagnosed sooner.

For women, tumors often present along the periphery of their lungs. This is notable because the tumors can increase substantially in size before they produce recognizable symptoms. Unfortunately, this means the condition is usually diagnosed later.

When Lung Cancer Metastasizes

Lung cancer typically spreads to the lymph nodes, bone, and brain. It can also reach the liver and adrenal glands. On occasion, it metastasizes to the intestines, eyes, kidneys, and stomach, though these are less common sites.

A tumor that spreads to the liver and adrenal glands often produces no symptoms. When it reaches the bone, however, it can cause agonizing pain at the site. This can occur in the hips, vertebral column, and even the ribs.

If a tumor reaches the brain, it can cause a number of complications. Depending on the part of the brain that is affected, the patient may experience seizures, vision problems, and one-sided weakness.

Managing Symptoms Of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Following a diagnosis of LC, and prior to treatment, the doctor can provide medications for pain. The types of drugs prescribed and their dosages are dictated by the level of pain experienced by the patient. They can range from over-the counter drugs, such as Advil, to more powerful medications, such as morphine.

If the patient is having trouble breathing, the physician may recommend oxygen therapy or thoracentesis (pleural tap). The latter is done to drain fluid that has accumulated in the lungs.

Fatigue, common with LC and understandably frustrating for the patient, is usually addressed by avoiding strenuous physical activity. The doctor may also recommend avoiding unhealthy foods and getting plenty of sleep.

The most important point is that familiarity with common signs of lung cancer makes it more likely that the condition will be caught early. That dramatically improves the patient’s chance of long-term survival.

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