Key Symptoms and Treatment Options Explained
Lung cancer is a serious disease and it is important to know the warning signs so you can seek help early. Early detection can save lives. In this article, we will talk about ten warning signs of lung cancer.
10 Warning Signs of Lung Cancer
1. Persistent Cough
A cough that lasts for weeks or even months can be a warning sign of lung cancer. This cough is often dry, but sometimes it can produce mucus. A cough that does not go away can signal that something is wrong with the lungs.
2. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is another sign that you should not ignore. If you notice that everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs become harder because you run out of breath, this might be a sign of lung cancer.
3. Chest Pain
Not all chest pain means you have lung cancer, but pain in the chest that does not have another clear cause should be checked by a doctor. This pain can be sharp or dull and might worsen when you breathe deeply, cough or laugh.
4. Wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing and can sometimes be a sign of lung cancer. It occurs when there is a blockage or narrowing in the airways.
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5. Coughing Up Blood
Coughing up blood, even in small amounts, is a serious symptom. Blood in the sputum (mucus or phlegm) may be a sign that something is wrong with your lungs.
6. Hoarse Voice
A change in your voice, such as it becoming hoarse, can be a warning sign of lung cancer. The voice can become hoarse if the cancer affects the nerves that control the vocal cords.
7. Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired is another common symptom of lung cancer. Fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest may be a sign that something serious, like cancer, is going on in your body.
8. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying is not normal and can be a sign of a serious problem like lung cancer. Rapid or unexplained weight loss may occur because cancer affects the body’s metabolism and can cause a loss of appetite.
9. Horner’s Syndrome
Horner’s syndrome is a less common sign of lung cancer, but is very important to know about. This syndrome happens when a tumor presses on certain nerves in the face or neck. Signs of Horner’s syndrome include drooping eyelids, a smaller pupil on one side, and decreased sweating on one side of the face.
10. Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Superior vena cava syndrome occurs when a tumor blocks the large vein that carries blood from the upper part of the body back to the heart. This blockage can cause swelling in the face, neck and arms. People might also experience headaches or dizziness.
Treatment Options for Lung Cancer
Treatment for lung cancer depends on its type and severity. Here are some common therapies used for lung cancer.
Surgery
Surgery is often used to remove cancer if it is found early. During surgery, doctors remove a part, or sometimes all, of the lung that has the tumor. This treatment can help get rid of the cancer and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment that uses heat to destroy cancer cells. A needle-like device is inserted into the tumor and high-frequency energy is used to heat and kill the cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells. These medicines can be given by a vein (through an IV) or taken in pill form. Chemotherapy can help to shrink tumors and stop cancer from spreading.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Like sunlight or x-rays, this treatment targets the cancer cells and damages them so they cannot grow or spread. Radiation therapy might be used on its own or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a newer type of treatment that helps the body’s own immune system fight cancer. It works by boosting the body’s natural defenses or by training the immune system to target cancer cells more effectively. Immunotherapy can be used for lung cancer that has spread or that has not responded to other treatments.
Targeted Drug Therapy
Targeted drug therapy uses drugs that attack specific parts of cancer cells. These drugs are designed to block the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with certain molecules needed for tumor growth.
Final Notes
Understanding the warning signs of lung cancer can help you seek help early and potentially improve the outcome of the disease. Your health is your most valuable asset and being informed about the warning signs and treatment options for lung cancer is a key step in protecting it.
Keep reading to learn about effective methods to quit smoking.