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!
