Lung Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of lung cancer
Because lung cancers tend to spread very early, only 15% are detected in their early
stages. The chances of early detection, however, can be improved by seeking medical care
at once if any of the following symptoms appear:
- A cough that does not go away
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent hoarseness
- Swelling of the neck and face
- Significant weight loss that is not due to dieting or vigorous exercise; fatigue and
loss of appetite
- Bloody or brown-colored spit or phlegm (sputum)
- Unexplained fever
- Recurrent lung infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
These symptoms may be caused by diseases other than lung cancer. It is vital, however,
to consult a doctor to rule out the possibility that they are the first symptoms of lung
cancer.
If the lung cancer has spread to other organs, the patient may have other symptoms such
as headaches, bone fractures, pain, bleeding, or blood clots. Early detection and
treatment can increase the chances of a cure for some patients; for others, it can at
least prolong life.
Lung cancer symptoms - Causes
Lung cancer symptoms - Smoking
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Ninety percent of lung cancers can
be prevented by giving up tobacco. Smoking marijuana cigarettes is considered yet another
risk factor for cancer of the lung. These cigarettes have a higher tar content than
tobacco cigarettes. In addition, they are inhaled very deeply-- as a result, the smoke is
held in the lungs for a longer time.
Lung cancer symptoms - Exposure to asbestos and toxic
chemicals
Exposure to asbestos fibers, either at home or in the workplace, is also considered a
risk factor for lung cancer. Studies show that compared to the general population,
asbestos workers are seven times more likely to die from lung cancer. Asbestos workers who
smoke increase their risk of getting lung cancer by 50-100 times. Besides asbestos, mining
industry workers who are exposed to coal products or radioactive substances such as
uranium, and workers exposed to chemicals such as arsenic, vinyl chloride, mustard gas,
and other carcinogens also have a higher than average risk of contracting lung cancer.
Lung cancer symptoms - Environmental contamination
High levels of a radioactive gas (radon) that cannot be seen or smelled pose a risk for
lung cancer. This gas is produced by the breakdown of uranium, and does not present any
problem outdoors. In the basements of some houses that are built over soil containing
natural uranium deposits, however, radon may accumulate to dangerous levels. Having one's
house inspected for the presence of radon gas when buying or renting is a good idea. Other
forms of environmental pollution (e.g., auto exhaust fumes) may also slightly increase the
risk of lung cancer.
Lung cancer symptoms - Chronic lung inflammation and
scarring
Inflammation and scar tissue are sometimes produced in the lung by diseases such as
silicosis and berylliosis, which are caused by inhalation of certain minerals;
tuberculosis; and certain types of pneumonia. This scarring may increase the risk of
developing lung cancer.
Lung cancer symptoms - Family history
Although the exact cause of lung cancer is not known, people with a family history of
lung cancer appear to have a slightly higher risk of contracting the disease.
Lung
cancer picture
Lung Cancer Smoking
Lunger Cancer Xray |