10 often ignored symptoms of lung cancer: Check if you have any

Do you know the symptoms of lung cancer ? Let the truth be told: lung cancer can be deadly, just like any cancer, but walking around pretending to be healthy and knowing nothing about the symptoms of lung cancer can be more life-threatening.

What is lung cancer?

The primary cause of cancer-related deaths Smoking frequently contributes to unchecked cell proliferation in the lungs, which is what causes lung cancer globally. There are two primary forms of it, each with different development trends and treatment modalities. It often presents as a chronic cough, chest discomfort, or dyspnea. Since the disease frequently advances to severe stages by the time symptoms manifest, early identification is essential. Although smoking continues to be the primary risk factor, other variables, such as genetics and environmental exposures, might also be important.

Lung cancer global statistics and death rate

In 2020, there were close to 2.2 million projected new cases of lung cancer and 1.8 million deaths from lung cancer. These figures represent around 11.4% of all cancer cases and 18.0% of all cancer deaths globally. Lung cancer had a crude incidence and death rate of 28.3 and 23.0 per 100,000 people, respectively.

In the United States, lung cancer is the cause of close to 160,000 deaths annually. Similar to other malignancies, lung cancer might be more difficult to identify early on, which is crucial for improving survival chances. The following are signs of lung cancer that need to be taken seriously:.

What are the 10 symptoms of lung cancer?

The above statistics look very worrying, and knowing the basic signs of lung cancer can help you take proactive steps to deal with it. In this post, we dig deep into the 10 serious, unknown symptoms of lung cancer.

#1. Cough

An ongoing cough that might get worse over time is one of the early indicators of lung cancer. On occasion, the cough may interfere with sleep and resemble a bronchitis or allergy cough. Some individuals find it easy to ignore this kind of cough, believing it will go away quickly, but if it lasts more than a few weeks, a doctor should be consulted.

#2. Chest pain

It is not uncommon for individuals with lung cancer to experience chest pain that can intensify when coughing or breathing. While the lungs themselves do not have the ability to experience pain, the surrounding areas can become inflamed due to lung cancer, resulting in a sensation that may be perceived as lung discomfort. Additionally, lung cancer tumours can cause discomfort by putting pressure on nearby tissue.

#3. Hoarseness

Hoarseness, also known as dysphonia, is a change in your voice that makes it sound rough, raspy, breathy, or strained. It can also affect the volume and pitch of your voice, making it softer, higher, or lower than usual.

Another symptom of lung cancer is a hoarse voice. It is worth considering that an individual’s voice may become noticeably deeper as a result of lung cancer.

You can suffer from hoarseness in many ways, including:

Vocal cord misuse or overuse: This can happen from yelling, cheering, singing for long periods, or speaking in a loud or high-pitched voice for extended periods.

Upper respiratory infections: Colds, laryngitis, and other infections can irritate the vocal cords and cause hoarseness.

#4. Coughing up blood

In some cases, coughing can cause the expulsion of blood or bloody phlegm, whereas a cough from lung cancer is typically ineffective or dry. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms that include coughing up blood, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and appropriate guidance.

#5. Experiencing difficulty breathing

Experiencing shortness of breath can be indicative of lung cancer. Engaging in activities that were previously effortless may now leave you feeling breathless. Feeling out-of-breath can occur even without physical exertion.

#6. Weight loss

Unexpected weight loss, frequently accompanied by a decrease in appetite, can be a sign of lung cancer. It is possible for lung cancer to cause the release of particular chemicals, which then increases metabolism and causes weight loss.

#7. Experiencing discomfort in the shoulder?

It may be unexpected to learn that lung issues are not typically associated with the shoulder. Shoulder pain related to lung cancer can be worrisome, as it may suggest the cancer has spread. However, in many cases, the pain is caused by tumours in the lung exerting pressure on the nearby phrenic nerve. Shoulder pain related to lung cancer can sometimes result in shooting pain that extends down the arm.

#8. Feeling fatigued Experiencing a constant state of tiredness

Experiencing frequent fatigue or weakness may be a potential sign of lung cancer. One common symptom of cancer is fatigue, which is characterised by a persistent feeling of tiredness that does not improve with sufficient rest.

#9. Having a persistent infection

Dealing with a persistent infection can be quite challenging, especially when it leaves you feeling under the weather.

Recurrent lung infections like pneumonia or bronchitis may be a potential sign of lung cancer. Recent studies suggest a potential link between a history of pneumonia and a higher susceptibility to developing lung cancer.

READ: 10 warning signs that prove you have diabetes but you do not know

#10: Experiencing wheezing?

Wheezing that occurs suddenly could potentially be linked to a serious condition. It is important to consult a medical professional when experiencing wheezing, as it can be a symptom of various health issues, like asthma and lung disorders.

What to do if you notice more than one of these symptoms of lung cancer

• Do not wait. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for lung cancer treatment success. If you have any of the following symptoms, consult a doctor promptly:
  • Persistent cough that worsens or doesn’t go away
  • Coughing up blood or rust-coloured phlegm
  • Chest pain, especially when taking deep breaths, coughing, or laughing
  • Hoarseness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Repeated respiratory infections

What the doctor can do:

• Conduct a physical examination and medical history review.
• Order diagnostic tests like chest X-rays, CT scans, or biopsies to confirm or rule out lung cancer and determine the type and stage.
• Discuss treatment options based on your individual case.