Lung cancer, even late stage lung cancer, seems to sneak up on people. The diagnosis of lung cancer surprises them, but this disease does not show up completely without warning signs of any kind.
Many people do not recognize the little signals their body might be sending them. In this blog, Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists (FLASS) will strive to sensitize you to some of the symptoms of lung cancer.
Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Studies has long believed that lungs should come with a user’s guide! Too many people ignore the messages lungs are sending, even as cancer develops. The trick is to listen, and not slump into the habit of denial.
The Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Study Specialists’ Mini Guide To Lung Cancer Symptoms
1. Hack! Hack!
Naturally the first symptom in our line-up will be that persistent, hacking cough that will not go away. Likewise, you might note that pneumonia or bronchitis just refuses to be treated by ordinary methods. For more information about the symptoms and types of lung cancer, FLASS suggest you visit this reliable online resource.
But the persistent cough is just one type of symptom.
“A cough is the first sign of accute lung cancer,” says Nathan Pennell, MD, PhD, an oncologist specializing in lung cancer with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. “One that does not get better despite antibiotics and inhalers.”
2. Short of Breath?
Any change in difficulty in breathing could signal the possibility of lung cancer. Have you noticed new weakness in your capacity for exertion? Nathan Pennell, MD, PhD also states, “Shortness of breath with exertion is also common and should always prompt a doctor visit, as should coughing up blood.”
3. Lump In Your Throat?
Did you know that tenderness and swelling in the neck area can be a symptom of lung cancer?
4. Chestpain-No Gain:
It can mean many things. Do you have a persistent and recurring pain in the chest? Recurring chest pain is never a good thing, but it does not always me it is a heart or esophageal problem. Whatever it is, it needs to be checked out. Do not think of it as just “old age.”
5. Don’t Ignore Pneumonia!
Pneumonia, especially repeated bouts with it, can also be a red flag for lung cancer, “because the tumor can block off an airway, causing infection to build up behind the blockage.” says Dr. Pennell.
You should know that relentless respiratory infections and unyielding cases of pneumonia or bronchitis, can signify serious disease, like lung cancer
Tip: If you have recently recovered from pneumonia, you should still have a chest X-ray. Your doctor can look for abnormalities that indicate lung cancer. If you are over 50 years old, and/or you are a smoker, this re-check x-ray becomes even more significant.
6. Creaking Voice?
When you speak, are you noticing your vocal pattern has gone hoarse or raspy?
7. Wheezing?
Are you experiencing a wheezing or an airy whistle? Don’t dismiss this!
8. Do You Feel Like A Guppy?
You need to see your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, find yourself gasping for air, and you can’t catching a deep breath.
9. Blood on the Tissue:
If you are bringing up blood or sputum when you cough, it is time to go to the doctor. It doesn’t necessarily mean lung cancer, but it is serious, especially if it is habitual.
10. Smokers, Beware:
We hate to harp on a subject, but if you have been a smoker, or if you are a smoker, any of the above nine symptoms should cause you to seek help.
Do not feel guilty, stigmatized or embarrassed that you have smoked or are smoking, just be aware that your smoking status can exacerbate the above symptoms, and can indicate serious disease or lung cancer. Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists are not here to judge you, but to help you feel better.
What should you do if this is the case? FLASS suggests you should talk to your doctor about a lung cancer screening. Cheryl Healton, Doctor of Public Health, agrees.
This is only Part One of a very important topic. When lung cancer spreads into other parts of the body, other, more unusual symptoms can manifest themselves. These unique symptoms will be discussed next week in Part Two of our Mini-Guide To Lung Cancer Symptoms.