What are the Most Common Lung Cancer Symptoms?
Lung cancer, like other illnesses, has symptoms that resemble those of other diseases but you should still know what to look for.
If you cough up blood, it could be that a blood vessel in the airway ruptured. It may just be from a throat or sinus problem but coughing up blood is one of the symptoms of lung cancer so don't ignore this problem.
If you have a lingering cough, you may have chest pain. Chest pain without a cough can be a symptom of lung cancer. The chest pain could be from heartburn or a problem with your heart but it could also indicate tumors in the lungs. Pain from lung tumors is a dull ache that won't go away. About 25% of people with lung cancer have this symptom. This is something your doctor should check out.
Feeling short of breath and wheezing can also be symptoms of lung cancer. Tumors may be blocking the airways and causing fluid to build up in the lungs. Wheezing can be from inflammation in the lungs caused by lung cancer. These are also symptoms of other less serious diseases so let your doctor give you a proper diagnosis.
A respiratory infection can come from bacteria or other organisms in the pulmonary system but if you have chronic infections, you may actually have lung cancer. Cancer spreads through metastasis, which means tumors in the lungs can spread and cause symptoms in other parts of the body. You can have bone pain from the spreading lung cancer or you could have vision problems if the cancer spreads to your brain.
Lung cancer that spreads via the lymph nodes often does not exhibit symptoms at all. Tumors can be growing in your glands or even the liver without you ever having any symptoms for a long time. About 25% of people diagnosed with lung cancer tend to exhibit no lung cancer symptoms. Often, lung cancer is found when you have routine exams like a chest x-ray. That is why people need to have regular check ups and medical tests especially if they smoke or if cancer runs in the family.
