Symptoms Of Lung Cancer That You Shouldn’t Ignore

Learn the symptoms of lung cancer that you shouldn’t ignore. Check out the article we found over at Top 10 Home Remedies.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among both men and women in the United States.

Also known as carcinoma of the lung, lung cancer occurs due to uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Lung cancer is broadly classified into two types: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.

Smoking is the number one risk factor for getting lung cancer. However, it may also develop in people who never smoked.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer causes about 27 percent of all cancer deaths. In fact, every year, more people die of lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined.

This is because this cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, making it more difficult to treat. In many cases, it may not show any noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

Thus, it is essential to know the possible signs and symptoms of lung cancer, so if needed you can consult your doctor and catch it in the early stages.

Here are the signs and symptoms of lung cancer you should not ignore.

1. Chronic Coughing

Everyone suffers from colds and coughs from time to time. But if you have chronic cough that lasts three weeks or more and no other symptoms of a cold, it can be an early sign of lung cancer.

Often, patients complain of chest pain that extends up into the shoulder or down the arm during coughing, which can be dry or produce mucus.

If you have a persistent cough that lingers for weeks and does not respond to medication, see your doctor right away. With some X-rays or other tests, your doctor can find out the exact cause and plan appropriate treatment.

2. Coughing up Blood

If you are coughing up blood (hemoptysis), whether the amount is small or large, see your doctor as soon as possible to find out the cause.

This can indicate lung cancer, particularly if you are a smoker. Both non-small cell lung carcinoma and small cell lung carcinoma can cause this symptom.

You may also notice changes in a chronic cough like coughing more often or coughing with a deeper or hoarse sound. Plus, you may experience chest pain, breathlessness, fever, wheezing or other symptoms of lung cancer.

Other possible causes for coughing up blood include infections, such as tuberculosis, bronchitis or pneumonia, and certain cardiovascular conditions.

3. Wheezing Sound

When airways become constricted, blocked or inflamed, it results in a wheezing or whistling sound when you breathe out.

The most common causes of wheezing are asthma and allergies. However, it can also be a symptom of lung cancer.

If wheezing continues and you do not have asthma, consult your doctor to find out what’s causing it.

4. Shortness of Breath

Being short of breath or becoming easily winded may also indicate lung cancer. About 9 out of 10 people who have advanced lung cancer experience this symptom.

It can also be caused by clogged arteries, anemia, a respiratory infection, chronic bronchitis, heavy workouts and lack of oxygen in high-altitude areas.

In normal circumstances, you experience shortness of breath when you are not taking in enough oxygen and your lungs try to draw in more air to make up for it.

If lung cancer is present, shortness of breath may occur if there is blockage in the airway or if fluid from a lung tumor builds up in the chest.

If you suddenly experience shortness of breath while doing a simple task that you used to do easily in the past, do not take it lightly. Consult your doctor.

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