When it comes to lung cancer, early symptoms may be difficult to spot. Although the signs of lung cancer are often vague, it’s always better to be detected early so that you can seek medical attention right away. It is vital to note that many of the early symptoms may actually be caused by other conditions. Listed below are some of the most common ones. – Anemia and Hoarse Voice
Hoarse voice
While hoarse voice is a relatively rare symptom of lung cancer, it should not be overlooked. The cause of chronic coughing is not fully understood, but it may be due to lung cancer. Cancerous tumors in the lungs can enlarge and block airways, resulting in difficulty breathing. In addition to hoarseness, this condition can also cause a person to cough up blood.
Chest pain
People who cough up blood may have cancer in their lungs. A chest pain is a sign that something is wrong. A tumor in the lung can press against the lining of the air passage. Coughing may also become difficult or painful, with the pain becoming more severe when you cough. The pain may come and go, but if you experience chest pain frequently, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
Sudden shortness of breath
Although lung cancer doesn’t usually cause early symptoms, sudden shortness of breath may signal an underlying condition. In some cases, this may be COPD or heart disease. In other cases, it may be a symptom of a lung condition like non-small cell lung cancer, also known as adenocarcinomas. Early detection is important for lung cancer patients because the earlier it is detected, the more effective the treatment options are.
Anemia
Anemia is one of the early symptoms of lung cancer. People with the disease have anemia when their blood cells do not contain enough red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen throughout the body and cause fatigue. They can even lead to irregular heartbeats. Anemia in cancer patients may be a sign of the disease, but it can also be a symptom of other diseases. Read on to learn more about these early symptoms.
Smoking increases your risk of lung cancer
Cigarette smoke contains numerous chemicals that influence the growth and division of lung cells. Almost every time a smoker smokes, he or she damages lung cells. This damage is not only limited to lung cancer, but also spreads to other organs. Inflammation and damage to the lung cells from smoking causes the development of cancer. Ultimately, the damage to cells will lead to uncontrolled growth. A smoker’s risk of lung cancer increases by a factor of two: tobacco smoke contains about 7,000 chemicals that can damage lung tissue.
Screening
The concept of overdiagnosis of lung cancer is confusing, not just for patients, but for providers as well. Early diagnosis of lung cancer increases survival and allows for more treatment options. Studies have shown that the 5-year survival rate for lung cancer patients increases from 18 to 55 percent when diagnosed early. Therefore, screening is essential, especially if symptoms are present early. Recently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated guidelines for lung cancer screening.
Treatment
When you suspect that you may have lung cancer, you should start by talking to your healthcare provider. Although early symptoms of lung cancer are difficult to spot, they are common. One of the most common is a persistent cough. About 50% of people with lung cancer experience a persistent cough, which can be dry or wet and may occur at any time of day. Many people dismiss this symptom as a sign of allergies or a cough that smokers experience. However, a persistent cough can be an early indicator of lung cancer.