Lung Cancer: Nine Warning Signs of a Growing Tumor

Lung Cancer: Nine Warning Signs of a Growing Tumor
Lung Cancer: Nine Warning Signs of a Growing Tumor
Anonim

Lung cancer often occurs as a consequence of smoking, directly or indirectly. Cancer affects survival depending on how large it is and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

The earlier a person is diagnosed and treated correctly, the greater the chances of survival. Cancer Research UK has listed nine warning signs of a growing lung tumour.

Experts say that a characteristic symptom of lung cancer is a persistent cough whose sound has changed or suddenly become painful. If you cough up blood, you should see a doctor immediately.

Another warning sign of a growing tumor is shortness of breath. A person begins to choke or suffocate while performing actions that were previously easy.

In general, the list of symptoms of the disease looks like this:

  • constant cough;
  • the appearance of pain or sounds other than normal when coughing;
  • dyspnea;
  • blood in sputum;
  • chest or shoulder pain;
  • recurring chest infections;
  • loss of appetite;
  • tired;
  • lose weight.

A less common symptom of the disease is a change in the shape of the fingers, which have swollen tips (the "drum stick" effect).

Oncologists also warn that certain types of cancer cells produce hormones that cause symptoms that may not be related to lung cancer. These can be the following manifestations:

  • numbness in fingers, toes;
  • muscle weakness;
  • drowsiness, general weakness, dizziness, confusion;
  • chest swelling in men;
  • the formation of blood clots.

In turn, Pancoast tumors can grow in the upper part of the lungs - they also have specific symptoms caused by the pressure of the formation on the nerve that passes from the neck to the face:

  • drooping or weakness of the eyelid of one eye,
  • small pupil in the same eye,
  • loss of sweating on one side of the face.

When the tumor that originated in the lung begins to spread to other organs, corresponding pathological changes occur: severe headaches may appear, often accompanied by nausea, weakness in the limbs, abdominal swelling and itching.

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