Every year more than 1.3 million people die due to lung cancer. If you diagnose lung cancer early i can – just like any other type of cancer – often be cured. It can be difficult ti detect the early symptoms of lung cancer, because they are not particularly obvious.
We have listed some warning signs of lung cancer. Some of the symptoms may surprise you because they are not that common. Always seek medical help if you experience any of the following signs, because the earlier the lung cancer is diagnosed the better are the chances of treatment.
Unexplained Fatigue
Have you been feeling extremely tired for a while, without any real explanation, it can be a sign of lung cancer. Lung cancer cells is known to release a substance into you blood stream. This affects the adrenal glands function and your oxygen levels leaving you exhausted and feeling a lack of energy. Of course there can be million other causes of fatigue, and it might just be due to a cold, to much work, insomnia or the flu. However, if your fatigue persists, see your doctor, so he can examine you.
Weight loss
A sudden unexplained weight loss can be caused by lung cancer. Some individuals experience a loss of appetite, making it difficult to eat. Moreover, the cancer cells uses most of the energy in the body, which results in significant and sudden weight loss. Sudden weight loss can also happen due to different gastrointestinal illness or food poisoning, but you need to see a doctor to figure out what causes the weight loos.
Pain
If you are feeling a aching pain in the chest, shoulders, or back, you need to be concerned, because this can be a sign of lung cancer. Especially chest pain, can be caused by metastasis or distended lymph nodes, so don’t ignore that kind of pain.
Wheezing sounds while breathing
Wheezing sounds while breathing can be a sign of lung cancer. This happens if your airways have become blocked or inflamed. It’s important to see a doctor, so he can confirm whether it’s asthma, allergies or lung cancer.
A persistent cough
Have you been coughing for more than a couple of weeks, you need to be concerned. You should never ignore a persistent cough, no matter if it’s a dry cough or if it produces mucus. See a doctor so he can find a cause of the cough.
Chronic cough changes
If you’re a smoker you are might experience a chronic cough, but if the cough suddenly changes in sound or you start coughing up blood, you need to see a doctor immediately.
Difficult breathing
Lung cancer narrows or blocks your airways, which makes it difficult to breath. If your experience shortness of breath just by walking around or you easier becomes winded than normal, it can be a warnong sign of lung cancer. These signs should not be ignored, and you need to see a doctor.
Deeper or more hoarse voice
If you experience a changes in your voice persisting for more than two weeks it can be caused by lung cancer. When the tumor distresses the nerves controlling the voice, you voice will sounds deeper or more hoarse.
Thickened fingertips
Most people thinks that thickening of fingertips is a sign of arthritis, but surprisingly it can also happens due to lung cancer. When the tumor releases cytokines, which are a sort of chemical, tissue and bone growth can be affected.
Persistent headaches
Ofcourse there a many reasons why you’re experience a headache, but did you know, that it also can be a sign of brain metastases? Moreover, lung cancer often exert pressure on the large veins, that are moving your blood to your heart from the upper body, triggering frequent headaches.
Personality changes
Changes in your mood and personality leaving you feeling anxious, experience racing thoughts, and panic attacks, can also be a sign of lung cancer. There are no explanation of these personality changes, but see a doctor so he can examine you.