Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer. It is, then, important to catch it early. Below is a discussion about the early lung cancer symptoms which one should be aware of for early detection, diagnosis and treatment.

1173 0 Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Statistics have it that lung cancer ranks among the highest cause of death from cancer of any kind -and it matters not whether you’re a man or woman. It is not only important, but smart to know what some of the earlier symptoms are. Some people are symptomatic as early as 45 years old -while others may not develop signs until age 70. Women are contracting lung cancer in increasingly higher numbers, as an increasing number of women have succumbed to the allure of smoking cigarettes.

When malignant cells inhabit the lungs, it is termed as primary lung cancer. However, healthy lungs can be affected by cancerous cells spreading from elsewhere. It then can be said the cancer metastasized, or, spread to the lungs. It could have originated in the bones or rectum, testicles, stomach or cervix, thyroid gland, prostate or skin, colon, breast or kidney.

Various Types of Lung Cancers

Ninety percent, or better, of lung cancers start their reign of terror in the bronchi, which are the two primary parts of the trachea. Named bronchogenic carcinoma, there are sub-types: squamous cell, small cell, large cell carcinomas and adenocarcinoma.

A related type of the adenocarcinoma type is called alveolar cell carcinoma. This type starts out in the alveoli. The alveoli are the micro air sacs in the lungs. This type can (and does) begin in one area of the lung but, can commonly be found in several locations.

Names of some lung tumors that are more uncommon include: bronchial carcinoid (both malignant or nonmalignant); sarcoma (cancerous); and chondromatous hamartoma, which is considered nonmalignant. Lymphoma is a cancer that wreaks havoc the lymphatic system. This sometimes originates in the lungs, or may spread to the lungs.

What Causes Lung Cancer?

Everybody knows: it is smoking tobacco that is going to get you. We all have known for a few generations now, but the young and foolish believe they are bullet proof. The longer you smoke the higher the chances are that you will contract some form of lung cancer -some time in your life. The more cigarettes you smoke -during the years that you are in the habit will increase the odds even further. Statistics show that somewhere between 10 and 20% of people who smoke tobacco end up with some form of cancerous lung disease.

Quitting the habit of smoking will help to swing the odds in your favor. After letting go of the cigs, your chances of falling prey to cancer will be reduced to that of a non-smoker after about 15 years. Of course other factors may come into play that might increase that number. (Lifestyle, occupation, etc.)

Some forms of lung cancer is caused by airborne particulate which is ingested at the workplace. Exposure to ionizing radiation, asbestos, and a long list of industrial chemicals are known to have a deleterious effect on the health of the lung. The odds of contracting cancer of the lungs are higher in people who smoke because the industrial substances mentioned above will exacerbate the problem.

Some types of lung cancers, have been known to occur in people who suffer from other types of lungs diseases, such as TB and fibrosis. Radon gas exposure is suspected of causing such problems, although the incident rate is thought to be low.

Genetics and environmental pollution are also factors that are linked to lung cancer developing.

What are the Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer?

Early symptoms of lung cancer are often not noticed. When symptoms become unpleasant, finally, it is often too late as the malady has often advanced to a more difficult stage.

It is thought that among approximately one-quarter of all cases of lung cancer that are diagnosed, there were no symptoms at all. In these instances, it is typically identified during a chest x-ray ordered for some other reason. The rest of the individuals do notice early lung cancer symptoms, which include:

coughing up sputum with blood
shortness of breath
pain in the chest
a persistent cough that becomes worse over time
feeling of fatigue
hoarseness, and wheezing
unintended weight loss
loss of appetite
persistent problems with pneumonia and bronchitis
swelling of the neck and face

None of these sound all that pleasant, but people tend to ignore them at first. Many know, deep in their hearts, the reasons -and choose not to face the music, unfortunately.

Other, more serious symptoms include:

muscle shrinkage (atrophy)
swelling or pain in the joints
abnormalities of the fingers or fingernails (clubbing)
paleness of skin or a bluish coloration
difficulties in swallowing
drooping of the eyelids
development of breasts in men
tenderness or pain in bones

Do not ignore persistent cough, blood streaked sputum, or, chest pain when coughing and /or shortness of breath. If and when these early symptoms of lung cancer occur, take heed and consult with your MD immediately, if not sooner. It is especially worrisome if you are beyond 39 years in age and are a smoker of tobacco.

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