Customer question:
What are the first signs of lung cancer? Question from an anonymous customer
Pharmacist's answer:
Early symptoms of lung cancer can be subtle or absent, making diagnosis difficult in the early stages. Nevertheless, there are some signs that you should pay attention to.
Early symptoms of lung cancer include the following:
- Chronic cough: a persistent cough that worsens or does not go away may indicate the possibility of lung cancer,
- Bloody sputum: blood in the sputum or bloody sputum can be a sign that the cancer has already progressed,
- Shortness of breath: the occurrence of shortness of breath, which is not related to physical activity or other health problems, may signal breathing problems due to lung cancer,
- Chest pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest, chest, or shoulders may occur due to tumor growth in the lung or nearby tissues.
- Weight and appetite loss: Unexplained weight and appetite loss may indicate lung cancer progression.
- Weakness and fatigue: A persistent feeling of tiredness, weakness, or general malaise may indicate the presence of lung cancer.
These symptoms are not specific to lung cancer and can also occur with other diseases or conditions. Still, it is essential to see your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they come on suddenly or get worse over time. Early detection and treatment of lung cancer can improve prognosis and chances of recovery. If you want more details about lung cancer, navigate to the link: Lung cancer.
Can the signs of lung cancer be confused with other medical conditions?
Yes, the signs of lung cancer can be mistaken for other medical conditions or diseases in the early stages. The fact is that the early symptoms of lung cancer can be relatively non-specific and can also appear in other less severe diseases. This can make it difficult to diagnose lung cancer early and contribute to a delay in seeking medical care.
For example, chronic cough, shortness of breath, weight loss, and fatigue, which can be symptoms of lung cancer, can also be signs of other conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, heart failure, or even simply a result of smoking. Bloody sputum, another possible symptom of lung cancer, can also occur in other diseases such as tuberculosis, pulmonary embolism, or infectious diseases.
It is essential to understand that a lung cancer diagnosis is a complex process that involves a thorough medical evaluation, clinical examinations, imaging tests (such as X-rays and CT scans), and often a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
How quickly do the signs of lung cancer worsen?
For some people, lung cancer symptoms may develop gradually and get worse slowly over a long period, while for others, they may get worse more quickly. Lung cancer progression may cause symptoms to increase or new symptoms to appear, such as increased shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, chest pain, or the appearance of other signs and symptoms.
Interesting reading: Signs of lung metastases
