Tag Archives: lung cancer

Does Lung Cancer Have Early Symptoms?

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Lung cancer causes more deaths than any type of cancer, killing approximately 158,080 Americans annually. Early screening is key for a positive outcome, so it is important to get screened if you are at high risk (smoker or around second hand smoke, genetically predisposed for cancer or if you work a job where you inhale carcinogenic chemicals). In many cases, lung cancer does not cause many symptoms until it reaches a more advanced stage, but some people may experience:

  • A new type of wheezing
  • A long-term cough that gradually worsens
  • Frequent lung infections
  • Hoarseness or changes in the voice
  • Coughing up blood or reddish mucus
  • Weight loss or appetite loss
  • Feeling lethargic and weak
  • Shortness of breath

It is important to note that these symptoms may also relate to less serious conditions, but it is always a good idea to get new developments in your health checked out.

Lung Cancer Can Cause Associated Syndromes

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer can cause certain comorbid syndromes such as:

Horner syndrome: Is the result of an interrupted pathway from the brain to one of the eyes or one side of the body. It usually causes uneven pupil size, drooping eyelid (or elevated bottom lid), and the inability to sweat on the affected side of the face or body. It is usually the result of another underlying medical condition such as cancer, stroke, a tumor or spinal cord injury.

Superior vena cava syndrome: SVCS happens when the superior vena cava (a major vein that carries blood to the head neck and chest) becomes pinched or blocked. It is most often caused by cancer. It is considered an emergency and causes many unpleasant symptoms. Singularly, it can usually be treated effectively.

Paraneoplastic syndromes including: spontaneous Cushing’s syndrome, inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone syndrome, blood clots, gynecomastia (breast growth in men), hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood), nervous system problems or excessive bone growth or thickening.

Symptoms of Metastatic Lung Cancer

In later stages, lung cancer can also spread to other organs. According to the American Cancer Society, this may cause such symptoms as

  • Unexplained bone pain
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Balance problems
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
  • Seizures
  • Swollen lymph nodes

That concludes our look at the symptoms and associated syndromes of lung cancer, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t panic as many can be attributed to less serious conditions, but there’s no harm in getting checked out first to be sure. Thanks for visiting DocChat, keep an out our article on lung cancer prevention next!

 

 

6 Tips to Lower Your Risk of Developing Lung Cancer

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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among both men and women. It is estimated that 158,080 Americans will die of lung cancer in 2016 alone. Because of its alarming numbers, it is important that people are aware of the dangers and potential causes of lung cancer.

Can Lung Cancer Be Prevented?

The majority of lung cancer cases can be prevented by avoiding smoke or second-hand smoke, but sometimes it happens in people with no risk factors for the disease. As with any type of cancer, there is no sure-fire way of prevention but you can do things to lower your risk of developing it such as:

  1. Don’t smoke, stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke! Being that smoke damage in the lungs is the leading cause of lung cancer, it stands to reason that if you are worried about developing it you should avoid cigarette and cigar smoke at all costs. Among the thousands of chemicals present, there are approximately 70 known carcinogens in cigarette smoke.
  2. Avoid radon exposure – Make sure you have a working radon detector in your home so you can measure the levels in your home and get it treated if the levels are too high. If not it could have deadly consequences.
  3. Try to limit pollution – Diesel fumes and other pollutants can take their toll on your lungs over time as well. If you are concerned about pollution, you can wear special (and fashionable) masks if you have to walk frequently in the city.
  4. Avoid breathing in known carcinogenic substances – The American Cancer Society cites asbestos, uranium and coal products as carcinogenic substances. There are many others as well.
  5. Early screening – if you are a smoker or have a family history of lung (or other) cancer, talk to your doctor today about early screening. Cases that are caught in the early stages have much better prognoses.
  6. Lead a healthy overall lifestyle – as with any type of disease prevention, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and veggies and low in saturated and animal fats is important, as is being regularly physically active so as to keep your body in tiptop shape and help better fight off disease.

There you have some key tips for lowering your risk of developing lung cancer, keep an eye out for symptoms and comorbid syndromes associated with lung cancer in our next post. Our board-certified physicians are standing by 24/7/365 to assist you with your health. Keep an eye out for our post on Thanks for visiting DocChat!