First Signs of Lung Cancer
Article by Mike Herman
Lung cancer is a major killer of men and women across the country. Air pollutants, secondhand smoke, cigarette smoking especially, and other causative factors contribute to the disease.
Most of us think that the lung cancer is mostly common among the cigarette smokers and it is true that the vast majority of cases are or were smokers. But there are non-smokers do get lung cancer and smokers who don’t get it.
Signs of lung cancer are often not apparent in the early stages. However it is better to identify lung cancer as possible.
The most common early symptom of lung cancer is haemoptysis (coughing up blood). Consider this early symptom a warning sign of a cancer, which may be curable.
If you find that you are coughing up blood, you should immediately contact your doctor, especially if you are 40 years of age, or older, with a long-term smoking habit.
Some of the primary signs include:
* Hacking, persistent cough* Coughing up blood * Shortness of breath * Wheezing * Chest pain * Lost appetite * Lost weight * Recurring bronchitis or pneumonia
The above symptoms also being the symptoms of many other lung problems, so it is always advisable to see a physician to ascertain the cause
Secondary signs of simple cell lung cancer include:
* Weakness * Difficulty swallowing * Changes in nails* Hoarse or raspy voice * High fever * Swelling of facial features
It’s true that most symptoms of lung cancer do not show themselves until the disease is in its advanced stages.
However, sometimes people exhibit signs early in the disease’s development. It is imperative that the first notice of symptoms or concern sends you straight to the doctor.
The sooner treatment is begun, the better. A cure is possible if caught early enough and, if not, then a better quality of life and more of it.
When lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, organs and bones, referred to as ‘metastasizing’, signs and symptoms include:
* Aching and sharp bone pain * Changes in the brain that exhibit themselves through weakness, numbness, dizziness, and seizure * Jaundice (whites of eyes, nails, and skin yellow)* Masses near the skin’s surface* Headaches* Numbness and loss of sensation in your extremities
All of these signs and symptoms of lung cancer may be caused by other health problems. The only way to know for sure is to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
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