Lung cancer is a typical health condition that causes an uncontrolled growth of abnormal or cancerous cells in one/both the lungs. It primarily affects the cells that line the air passages. The cancerous cells multiply rapidly and form tumours. When the tumours spread to a wide area, they start undermining the lung’s ability to provide blood and oxygen. There are majorly two types of lung cancer – Primary and Secondary. The first one begins in the lungs while the second one originates somewhere else in the body, metastasizes and reaches the lungs. The symptoms are not noticeable in the initial stage of the disease. Listed here are some of the early symptoms that may help you to perform an early screening to minimize the fatal consequences –
- A cough that won’t quit – A cough that occurs due to cold or respiratory infection and goes away in a week or two. However, the cough that persists longer than 2 months can be one of the common lung cancer symptoms that you mustn’t avoid. Whether it is dry or produces mucus, it is highly suggested to get a test done at the earliest.
- Changes in the cough – Any major changes while coughing should be paid attention to. If the cough becomes chronic in nature, deeper or sounds hoarse or if you are coughing up blood, it is suggested to immediately visit a doctor.
- Severe pain in the Chest – Along with coughing, one of the major lung cancer symptoms include pain in the chest, shoulders and back. Consult your doctor, if the pain is sharp, constant, dull or intermittent in nature. Chronic chest pain may result in enlargement of the lymph nodes or metastasis to the chest wall. This condition is known as Pleura.
- Breathing Changes – Shortness of breath or breathlessness can also be a possible symptom of Lung cancer. The tumours tend to block the air passage of the lungs. This causes breathing problems such as shortness of breath or breathlessness. Make a point of noticing this major change along with other above-mentioned symptoms and consult the doctor at the earliest.
- Sudden or Excessive Weight Loss – Weight loss can occur due to a plethora of reasons. One of them is Lung Cancer. An unexplained weight loss of 10 to 15 kgs can be associated with major cancer problems. It is one of the most common early lung cancer symptoms that you must not ignore or avoid!
- Pain in Bones – Secondary symptoms may cause pain in bones especially pain in the lower back. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to differentiate between bone and muscle pain. Bone pain mainly occurs at night and increases with movement.
- Excessive Headache – Though very uncommon in nature, but in extreme cases, excessive headache may related to lung cancer. The tumor present in the lungs may create pressure in the Superior Vena Cava. It is a type of large vein that moves the blood from upper body to the heart. This pressure can, in rare cases, trigger headaches.
