Early symptoms of lung cancer
Lung cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. In most cases, people won’t have any major symptoms until they reach an advanced stage.
Here are some of the symptoms:
Persistent cough that won’t improve
A chronic cough lasting more than 2 or 3 weeks is one of the common signs of cancer development in the lungs. While a cold infection might cause a temporary cough, one that remains without a clear cause could be a sign of cancer.
Watch out for:
- Dry or wet cough
- Cough gets worse over time
- Experiencing coughing at night or early morning
Shortness of breath
If you experience any shortness of breath while doing any physical activities like walking or climbing stairs, then this could be due to cancer or abnormalities in lung function. One of the warning signs of slowing down the lung function is due to the tumor obstructing the airways.
Experiencing wheezing
If you are experiencing wheezing, then it can be caused by asthma or allergies, but it may also indicate a sign of a tumor narrowing down the airways. If it starts to appear suddenly or only on one side of the body, then seek medical advice.
Blood in the cough (Hemoptysis)
If you are seeing blood in the sputum, then this is not normal. This is a serious concern that requires immediate medical evaluation.
Unexplainable fatigue
The growth of cancer in the lungs can drain your energy levels. If you are constantly experiencing a sense of exhaustion even after getting proper sleep and rest, then it could be a sign that your body has started to fight something serious.
Chest pain
Experiencing chest discomfort or a dull ache that worsens with breathing, coughing, or laughing could be a warning sign of cancer. This often feels like tightness or pressure rather than a sharp pain.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without even trying is a common sign of many cancers, including lung cancer. If you are losing more than 5 kgs in a short time, it should not be ignored.
Hoarseness (voice changes)
When the tumor starts to press the nerves that control your vocal cords, it can often lead to a hoarse voice. When your voice changes and remains different for more than two weeks, then do not ignore this. Consult a doctor immediately.
Bone pain
Metastatic lung cancer can often spread to the bones. If you are experiencing back pain, or any pain in the ribs, or hips especially at night can often be linked to the spread of metastatic cancer.
Frequent infections
If you are experiencing recurring bronchitis or pneumonia, it might indicate that a tumor is blocking a specific part of your lung, which further makes the bacteria grow.