Signs of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a scary disease. It is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. In fact, lung cancer kills more people than breast, prostrate and colorectal cancer combined.

Lung cancer used to be predominate in men, but now the occurrence of lung cancer is almost equal between men and women. It is not obvious why the rate of women being diagnosed with lung cancer is growing. Smoking is the cited leading cause of lung cancer, but women smoke less and are exposed less to cigarettes. New research is suggesting a genetic link to lung cancer that could be the answer.

One reason that lung cancer is so deadly is that it often does not cause symptoms until it spreads to other parts of the body. The signs of lung cancer are also easily dismissed as other medical conditions related to the respiratory system.

Symptoms

The symptoms of lung cancer are usually mild. They do not always cause a red flag because they appear harmless and normal. The most common symptom is a cough. Since many illnesses cause a cough it can be difficult to link a cough to lung cancer. If a person does not fit into a high risk group then testing for lung cancer may never be done.

However, the best way to spot the warning signs of lung cancer is to pay attention. With lung cancer the cough will not be normal. It will be chronic. Many times it will produce phlegm that has blood in it. The cough may be accompanied by chest pain or chest pain may occur even without the cough.

Some people have wheezing when they breath or develop a hoarse voice. Additionally, some people will seem to always be suffering form a respiratory illness. Constant diagnosis of respiratory illness without ever really getting better in between can be one of the very good signs of lung cancer.

Other signs of lung cancer to watch for include:

Fatigue
Lack of appetite
Pain in joints, bones or headaches
Unexplained bone fractures
Memory loss or lack of balance
Swelling in the face or neck
Unexplained weight loss

Unfortunately, by the time these symptoms are noticed the cancer has probably spread. Ideally a doctor wants to find cancer in the early stages. At that point treatment success rates are much higher.

However, since lung cancer is often now found until it has spread, treatment options are limited and getting completely rid of the cancer can be very difficult. It can be a long battle. Also complicating the success rate of lung cancer treatments is that most people are not diagnosed until they are over the age of 50. Advanced age and the harsh treatment methods required can really weaken a person.

The only way to fight lung cancer and prevent it is to avoid common causes, like smoking, and to stay aware of your body and the signs of lung cancer that may be presenting themselves.

We have additional information on this subject you may be interested in reading: lung cancer staging

Signs Of Lung Cancer

early sign of lung cancer

Signs of Lung Cancer

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