|
Common
Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer
The signs
and symptoms of lung cancer may take years to appear and are often confused
with symptoms of less serious conditions. If you go to your doctor when
you first notice symptoms, your cancer might be diagnosed and treated
while it is in a curable stage.
According
to Mohammad Abul-Khoudoud, M.D., OLBH pulmonologist, the following are
the most common symptoms of lung cancer.
Chest Signs and Symptoms
“A
smoker’s cough that persists or becomes intense is often the first
warning sign of lung cancer,” Dr. Khoudoud said. “However,
if a person has a cough that persists for more than two weeks, they should
consult their family physician. Additionally, if an individual experiences
persistent chest, shoulder, or back pain, unrelated to the pain from coughing,
they need to have a physical examination by a qualified practitioner.”
Other respiratory-related lung cancer symptoms include:
- Shortness
of breath
- Increase
in volume of sputum
-
Wheezing
|
|
- Change
in color of sputum
-
Blood in sputum
|
Other Signs and Symptoms
Dr. Khoudoud
notes that other signs and symptoms of lung cancer may not be respiratory
in nature. “Individuals can experience lung cancer symptoms including
fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, bone pain, aching joints, bone fractures,
neck or facial swelling, and unexplained weight loss,” he explained.
“These signs and symptoms also may be caused by the spread of lung
cancer to other parts of the body.”
Dr. Khoudoud
adds that individuals can protect themselves from the disease. “The
best way to prevent lung cancer from occurring is not to smoke, and to
avoid people who do smoke. Even for individuals who do smoke tobacco,
stopping is their best protection.”
The American
Cancer Society also recommends finding out about cancer-causing chemicals
that you may be exposed to at work and taking appropriate protective measures
also is in your best interest.
If you have
reason to suspect you are at an increased risk for developing lung cancer,
speak to your family physician immediately. If you do not have family
physician, call the OLBH CareLine for a referral today; simply
dial (606) 833-CARE (2273).
|
