Lung cancer originates from abnormalities in the basic unit of the body - the cell. Cells will divide and multiply as needed under normal circumstances, is caused by a system of checks and balances built into the organism.
And sometimes, these orderly systems is disrupted and the cells divide and multiply in an uncontrolled manner, they form an abnormal mass is called tumor, though not all malignant tumors can cause symptoms of lung cancer.
Tumors that are benign usually do not pose a threat and can be removed without spreading to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors, like those of lung cancer, multiply and spread aggressively. They tend to move to other - often distant - parts of the body, in a process called metastasis.
Lung cancer, in particular, tends to metastasize or spread at an early stage. This makes it difficult to treat and it is one of the most life-threatening cancers around. The malignancy can spread to practically any part of the body. However, certain organs are more prone to being affected - they include the liver, adrenal glands, bone and the brain.
This tendency to metastasize rapidly makes it imperative that lung cancer be detected as early as possible. Hence it is critical to be aware of common lung cancer symptoms.
This is some of what you must watch out for. Keep in mind, this is not a comprehensive list and is only indicative of the many lung cancer symptoms found in a wide cross section of patients.
- Swelling in the facial and neck region
- A persistent chough that does not respond to treatment
- Blood in sputum / spit with a brownish tinge
- Pain in the chest region
- Sudden, significant drop in weight that isn't the result of dieting or exercise
- Shortness of breath
- Inexplicable fatigue
- Recurring bouts of pneumonia, bronchitis and other such infections
- Change in voice quality / hoarseness that persists
- Fever that occurs for no apparent cause
- Loss of appetite
Having one or more of these symptoms of lung cancer does not always indicate the presence of the disease. There are many other health conditions that can cause these symptoms. However, if some of these signs are present, it is necessary to consult a doctor so that he can investigate further.
When the disease spreads to other parts of the body, it can give rise to other lung cancer symptoms. Examples include bones that fracture too easily, persistent / recurrent headaches, formation of blood clots, bleeding, pain in some area of the body, etc. Some symptoms may not be apparent till the disease has progressed to become stage 4 lung cancer.
Early detection is critically important to improve the chances of curing lung cancer. In patients where the cancer has already advanced, detection can still help to prolong life and improve its quality.
Various factors that could cause the symptoms of lung cancer. Smoking is the main cause.. Smoking heads the list of causes. An estimated nine out of ten cases of lung cancer would never have developed if the patient did not smoke. That is a shocking statistic.
Asbestos exposure is another known risk factor. Researchers have found that asbestos workers are fully seven times more likely to develop lung cancer as compared to the general population. Other risk factors include exposure to toxic chemicals, heavily polluted air in big cities, lung inflammation, etc. Having a family history of lung cancer also increases the risk of a person developing the disease.
When the disease spreads to other parts of the body, it can give rise to other lung cancer symptoms. Examples include bones that fracture too easily, persistent / recurrent headaches, formation of blood clots, bleeding, pain in some area of the body, etc. Some symptoms may not be apparent till the disease has progressed to become stage 4 lung cancer.
Early detection is critically important to improve the chances of curing lung cancer. In patients where the cancer has already advanced, detection can still help to prolong life and improve its quality.
Various factors that could cause the symptoms of lung cancer. Smoking is the main cause.. Smoking heads the list of causes. An estimated nine out of ten cases of lung cancer would never have developed if the patient did not smoke. That is a shocking statistic.
Asbestos exposure is another known risk factor. Researchers have found that asbestos workers are fully seven times more likely to develop lung cancer as compared to the general population. Other risk factors include exposure to toxic chemicals, heavily polluted air in big cities, lung inflammation, etc. Having a family history of lung cancer also increases the risk of a person developing the disease.