Detecting lung cancer early is challenging. In most cases, early stage lung
cancer has few or no symptoms. Victims may experience a slight cough or chest
tightness. However, symptoms are often ignored. Lung cancer is generally
diagnosed after symptoms worsen. Symptoms of lung cancer include:
Chronic cough
Chest, shoulder, or
back pain
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Hoarseness
Coughing up blood
Neck and face
swelling
Difficulty swallowing
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Respiratory
infections
Those who experience an onset of one or more of these symptoms should visit
a doctor – especially if the person is a smoker, or exposed to tobacco smoke on
a regular basis.
Advanced Lung Cancer
Lung cancer that is not detected early may spread to other parts of the
body. Common areas that could be affected by lung cancer include the brain,
liver, and bones.
Symptoms of brain cancer include:
Seizures
Severe headaches
Blurred vision
Mental confusion
Nausea
Symptoms of liver cancer include:
Jaundice (yellowing
of skin and eyes)
Enlarged lymph nodes
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Symptoms of bone cancer include:
Widespread pain
Chronic backaches
Numbness
In addition, those with lung cancer are at great risk of developing throat,
esophagus, oral, and kidney cancer. Cancer that has spread beyond the lungs is
attacked with aggressive therapy. This may include surgery, radiation therapy,
chemotherapy, or combination therapy.