What Is Lung Cancer Symptoms?
March 12, 2010 by Anne Durrell
Filed under cancer
One of the biggest obstacles with diagnosing lung cancer is that many patients do not have any lung cancer symptoms until the cancer is in advanced stages.
That is why it is very important for people, especially those at high risk, to understand lung cancer symptoms. People must be aware what these symptoms are and see their doctor if they even suspect they may have lung cancer.
Unsuspected Disease
Lung cancer does not usually produce any tell tale symptoms in earlier stages. Usually when symptoms do present they are related to the growth of the tumor or the spread of cancer to other areas of the body. In many cases, lung cancer is discovered when a chest x-ray is taken for another reason.
The problem with lung cancer not exhibiting symptoms early is that as the disease grows it gets more difficult to treat and the likelihood of it spreading to other parts of the body grows.
Even when symptoms do present, it can be difficult to notice that they are something more than a chest cold or other common respiratory illness. Many times people ignore them or use over the counter medication to try and treat what they believe is a simple virus.
Warning Signs
You know what it feels like to have a common virus or infection. Lung cancer symptoms are usually similar and can include:
* Chest pain
* Difficulty breathing
Being informed and aware is the best way to catch lung cancer symptoms early. Watch out for the following:
* If you smoke or used to smoke and you suddenly develop a new cough
* A persistent cough that does not go away even with medication.
* A dull, persistent chest pain
* Wheezing
* Hoarseness
* Ongoing respiratory illness
Metastatic are a type of lung cancer tumors, which cause different symptoms and react differently in the body. They can affect the adrenal glands, the bones and even spread to the brain. Other types of lung cancer do not cause any symptoms.
Part of the reason why lung cancer has a high death rate is because it is very difficult to catch in the early stages.
Anne Durrel comes from California. She has, combined, over 3 years of experience in Lung Cancer. You may want to check out her other guide on lung cancer symptoms tips and asbestos siding guide.
