What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
- Chronic cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
- Chronic lung infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bone or joint pain
- Fatigue
Lung cancer is a chronic disease where abnormal cells build up to form tumors. These tumors start in the lungs then spread to lymph nodes and other body parts. While lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, it is known as a “silent killer”. The symptoms of lung cancer do not often present themselves early.
As Las Pinas doctors, we see it as our duty to raise awareness that lung cancer is often diagnosed in its later stages, when it’s harder for treatment options to be effective. Similar to other types of cancer, it is easier to treat lung cancer when it is detected earlier. If you experience the following symptoms, see your doctor right away:
Chronic Cough
It is normal for the body to induce itself to cough to prevent germ, dust, and other particles from entering the airways. However, a cough that does not go away can be a symptom of lung cancer. A chronic cough refers to a cough that lasts for longer than 8 weeks in adults and longer than 4 weeks in children.
The majority of patients with lung cancer have a chronic cough with blood or rust-colored mucus. However, a persistent dry cough can also be a symptom of lung cancer.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can also be a symptom of lung cancer. If a tumor is blocking an airway passage, it puts pressure on the lungs or causes respiratory system inflammations. Fluid build-up inside the lungs can also be a contributing factor. All these situations can prevent the respiratory systems from working optimally, causing difficulty in breathing. Visit your doctor if you experience shortness of breath, even if you are not doing extensive physical activity.
Chest Pain
Whether you have a persistent cough or not, if you experience chest pain, it can be a symptom of lung cancer. When lung cancer causes chest pains, it results from enlarged lymph nodes or metastasis to the chest walls. Metastasis is the term used to describe cancer that has spread. Unlike normal cells, abnormal cancer cells spread to other organs. Lung cancer that has metastasized to the bones may produce pain in the back or the chest.
Try to check if the chest pain you experience gets worse when you cough, laugh, or breathe deeply. Chest pain associated with lung cancer can cause sharp, dull, constant, or intermittent pain.
Hoarseness
Did you notice your voice changing? Does it sound hoarse or raspy? It is normal to have a hoarse voice after speaking or singing for a long time. However, developing a persistent hoarse voice can be a sign of lung cancer.
Vocal cords produce sound by vibrating open and closed. Lung cancer can affect this movement by pressing on the chest nerve called the laryngeal nerve. Once this nerve is compressed, the vocal cords can stop working properly and cause a hoarse voice.
Hoarseness is one of the less recognized symptoms of lung cancer. Make sure to visit your doctor if you notice any changes in your voice.
Chronic Lung Infections
Oftentimes, viruses, bacteria, and fungi are the cause of lung infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and emphysema. However, if you keep getting sick from lung infections, it could be a symptom of lung cancer. Chronic lung infections can be the result of the tumor weakening the immune system.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Have you noticed that you lost weight suddenly for no reason? Have you dropped pounds without working out or making adjustments in your diet? One of the symptoms of lung cancer is unexplained weight loss.
Similar to other types of cancer, tumors of lung cancer signal the body to divert energy towards their cell growth instead of common metabolism processes. With this, you may also notice a loss of appetite.
Bone or Joint Pain
Once lung cancer has metastasized to other body organs, you may feel bone or joint pain. It may be challenging to differentiate common muscle pain and bone pain. Take note that if the pain increases while lying on your back, it can be a sign of lung cancer. Bone pain associated with lung cancer can result from metastasis in the bones, spine, pelvis, arm joints, and leg joints.
Fatigue
The fatigue associated with lung cancer is overwhelming. It can make you feel like you want to lay in bed all the time. This is because the tumor causes changes in metabolism and drains energy. It is important to note that there are numerous lifestyle factors and other health conditions that can cause fatigue. Make sure to talk to your doctor to pinpoint the source of your unexplained tiredness.
Key Takeaway
In this article, we’ve rounded up the symptoms of lung cancer. Lung cancer is a disease that does not present signs in its early state. As Las Pinas doctors, we cannot stress enough the importance of being vigilant about the symptoms above. When detected and diagnosed earlier, there is a higher chance of lung cancer treatment options becoming effective. It’s possible to have an improved quality of life.
If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of lung cancer, make an appointment with the best oncologists in the Philippines at Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Pinas. Click here to contact us or visit our hospital branch at Alabang-Zapote Rd., Pamplona III Las Pinas City, Philippines 1740.
