Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. However, the assumption that it is necessarily lethal or may not be cured is strongly misguided. If detected in the early stages, the symptoms may be contained and its progression will be stemmed immediately. But for diagnosis in the initial stages, one needs to be aware of the warning signs. If any of the following symptoms are present, it would be recommended that you consult a doctor and get yourself checked for lung cancer.
As with any type of cancer, lung cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal or cancerous cells. These malignant cells within the lungs grow at a rate much faster than normal, eventually leading to the development of tumours or solid masses in the lung tissue. Once they've formed, these tumours continue to get larger over time. As they grow, they can interfere with and damage the normal functions of the lungs. This generally results in bothersome or uncomfortable symptoms that may urge the patient to see their physician for a proper diagnosis.
Signs And Symptoms
1. Breathlessness
With a cancerous growth in the one or both lungs, the breathing function of the body is naturally compromised. This often manifests as breathlessness, especially in the aftermath of mild physical exertion. If you find yourself panting hard after climbing a few stairs or incredibly breath-starved in cramped spaces like elevators, these are signs that your respiratory system is not functioning optimally.
2. Coughing
Those with a tumour in their lungs may also be prone to coughing excessively, often without reason. Even when they are not suffering from a cold or infection, they will cough frequently, several times a day. Inexplicable coughing spells should definitely not be taken lightly. A cough may be dry or produce phlegm; do not look for forced explanations for random coughing.
3. Chest Pain
This is one of the earliest signs of lung cancer to manifest. Even with the smallest tumour in the lungs, chest pain is likely to be present. Such pain is easily distinguished from chest pain felt during heart-related conditions such as aneurysms. The ache may worsen with coughing and patients complain of a general feeling of soreness in the chest area, especially in more advanced stages.
4. Unexplained Shoulder Pain
Certain types of lung cancer are caused by what is referred to as “Pancoast tumours”. Such cancerous growths expand rapidly and cause inflammation of the lung in a particular way. The swelling then presses against certain nerves which typically cause shoulder pain. Thus, if you are experiencing shoulder pain in the absence of any associated ailment or sports injury, undertaking a medical investigation is recommended.
5. Sore Torso
Most lung diseases tend to produce soreness in the upper region of the torso. With lung cancer specifically, autoantibodies tend to damage muscles in the torso region, thus leading to tenderness and sore spots. This kind of pain is easily distinguished from abdominal pain that is internally rooted. With lung cancer, the outer portion of the torso, separate from the gastric tract, seems to ache for no identifiable reason.
6. Wheezing
When tumours manifest in the lungs, air passages tend to get restricted, inflamed or blocked as the disease progresses. When air passes through these narrow spaces, a whistling sound, referred to as wheezing, is often heard. Though wheezing can be caused by several different anomalies, lung cancer may also be responsible for it – if present, get it checked.
7. Changing Voice
In a lot of lung cancer cases, the patient's voice tends to change, becoming deeper, more hoarse and raspy. Though colds and throat infections may also cause voice change, if it persists for more than 4 weeks, it may be a sign of lung cancer. If a tumour(s) begins to impact the nerve that controls the voice box or larynx – that's when the person's voice changes. It may seem as if the individual needs to clear their throat when in actuality they don't.
8. Breast Growth
An unusual symptom that occurs in the case of male patients is the abrupt growth of breast tissue. With the onset of cancerous growth in the lungs, the breast tissue begins to grow and though the exact causality is unclear, medical scholars associate it with an atypical hormonal release. The tumours’ progression leads to a release of excess hormones in the breast region.
9. Fatigue
Persistent fatigue is another very distinctive sign of any cancerous growth in the body. Lung cancer patients complain of experiencing fatigue from the very early stages of the condition. With abnormal cell growth in the body, a huge quantity of the body’s resources get utilized in sustaining and fighting off the abnormality. Naturally, energy levels tend to be constantly low. Thus, anyone who finds themselves feeling fatigued without reason all the time should get a medical check-up done as soon as possible.
10. Other Signs
There is a wide range of non-specific symptoms associated with lung cancer. These include loss of appetite, weight loss, headaches, bone pain, swelling in the fingers and toes, so on and so forth. Some patients may even develop infections of the respiratory tract such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis, or bronchitis. The incidence of two or more of any of the aforementioned symptoms calls for medical investigation – after all, better safe than sorry.
Who's at Risk of Developing Lung Cancer?
Risk factors include anything that may increase an individual’s chances of developing a specific condition. As with any other disease or medical condition, there are many risk factors associated with the development of lung cancer. Some of the most common risk factors include the following:
- Smoking or Being Exposed to Second-Hand Smoke
Exposure to cigarette and cigar smoke drastically increase the risk of developing lung cancer. This is true even if the exposure is second-hand. Tobacco products contain a wide variety of chemicals and compounds that can lead to the development of damaged and cancerous cells.
- Radon Exposure
Radon exposure can occur naturally through the environment. Radon is a clear and odourless gas that is naturally present in soil and rock formations. In some cases, it can seep into homes or other buildings, resulting in people being unaware that they are being exposed to this carcinogenic gas. While small amounts may not be that dangerous, continued exposure can increase an individual’s risk of developing lung cancer and other pulmonary diseases.
- Arsenic and Asbestos Exposure
Arsenic and asbestos are two other compounds that have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. The risk of mesothelioma, a specific type of lung cancer, is most heavily associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a product that was previously used in building materials. Therefore, many people were inadvertently exposed to it in some manner in the past. Old buildings and factories continue to be a potential asbestos hazard – especially if disturbed.
- Family History or Genetic Factors
Unfortunately, we don’t fully understand the impact genes can have on the development of lung cancer. We do know that having a family member who has suffered from lung cancer seems to raise an individual’s risk of developing it at some point, but there is still some uncertainty regarding that likelihood.
- Previous Radiation Treatment to the Chest Area
Those who have been treated with radiation therapy to the chest also have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. For example, women with breast cancer who are treated with radiation tend to have a slightly increased risk of developing lung cancer later in life.
When considering these risk factors, it is important to understand that having one or more does not guarantee you will develop lung cancer. Additionally, a person with no risk factors can still develop the disease. This indicates that there is still some uncertainty around the development of lung cancer.
What are the Different Types of Lung Cancer?
There are different types of lung cancer, which can make the process of learning about this disease a little more complex. The most common type of this disease is called non-small cell lung cancer. It makes up as much as 85% of all lung cancer diagnoses. Non-small cell lung cancer tends to grow and spread more slowly than its counterparts.
Small cell lung cancer makes up about 20% of all lung cancer diagnoses. This type of lung cancer gets its name because the cells making up the tumours are smaller than most other cancer cells tend to be. Unfortunately, small cell lung cancer tends to grow and spread much more rapidly.
Non-small cell lung cancer can be further subdivided into different types. These include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and neuroendocrine tumours. Finally, mesothelioma and carcinoid tumours can also develop in the lungs.
What are the Different Stages of Lung Cancer?
When a patient is diagnosed with lung cancer, a biopsy will normally reveal the exact type of the disease. Using the sample provided, further testing will be done to determine the stage of the disease. The stage refers to the degree to which cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Your physician will use the letters T, N, and M to properly describe the stage of your cancer. The measurements are as follows:
T – This measurement describes the size of your tumour and its location in your body.
N – This measurement describes node involvement if any exists.
M – This measurement describes more distant spread if it has occurred.
Your physician will likely use a number of sophisticated scans that can see into your body in order to determine the exact stage of your cancer and thus the recommended treatment protocol for your type and stage.
What are the Common Treatment Options for Lung Cancer?
Treatment options for lung cancer will vary widely based on the type and stage of the illness at the time of diagnosis. No matter what type or stage of cancer is present, treatment usually involves surgery to remove as much of a tumour as possible. This surgery can then be followed by chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of both.
Some of the most common treatments used to combat lung cancer include the following:
- Carboplatin and Cisplatin are some of the most common types of chemotherapy drugs used to treat lung cancer.
- Gemzar and Taxotere are also commonly used chemotherapy agents used for lung cancer treatment.
- Anti-angiogenesis therapy focuses on attempting to stop blood flow to a tumour so that it will stop growing.
- EGFR Inhibitors are drugs that block specific compounds known as epidermal growth factor receptor. These drugs can sometimes slow down or stop the growth of a tumour.
- Radiation is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy to reduce the size of a tumour. In many cases, radiation may be used prior to surgically removing the tumour from shrinking it first can help ensure complete removal.
- Immunotherapy can also be used to help the body learn to better fight cancer on its own. Immunotherapy involves boosting the immune system, which is the body’s natural defence against illness and disease. Drugs can be used to help the immune system identify, target, and eradicate cancer cells.
While lung cancer is a common illness, being diagnosed with it can be a troubling and frightening time for many patients and their loved ones. Arming yourself with knowledge is one of the best ways to alleviate your fears. While much research is still needed on the topic of lung cancer, the information above is a great starting point for learning about this condition and the various treatment protocols available for it.
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