Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease; in developed countries, it is the most common malignant tumor. About a million new cases are registered annually in the world. Smoking is considered the main cause of lung cancer.
Cigarette smoke contains dozens of carcinogens, nicotine can suppress the work of the immune system, which protects our body. This disease requires long-term and very complex treatment precisely because it is often diagnosed in the late stages.
So that you do not miss the development of lung cancer and contact specialists in time, we will tell you about nine early symptoms. You will also learn how we can help people at high risk of the disease.
1. A cough that won't stop
Be alert if your cough lingers for a long time. A cough associated with cold weather or a respiratory infection will go away in a week or two, but a persistent, long-lasting cough may be a symptom of lung cancer.
Don't be tempted to avoid a visit to the doctor. At the same time, it does not matter what kind of cough you have - dry or producing mucus. Contact an oncologist immediately. You will be assigned the necessary examinations.
2. Change in cough
Pay attention to any changes in your chronic cough, especially if you smoke. If you cough more often, or your cough has become deeper or hoarse, or you cough up blood, mucus, it's time to visit a doctor.
If your family members or acquaintances, friends experience such symptoms, let them also visit a specialist.
3. Change in breathing
Shortness of breath is also a possible symptom of lung cancer. Breathing changes may occur if the tumor blocks or narrows the airways.
Mark yourself if you notice that you feel changes in your breathing. If you find it difficult to breathe after climbing stairs or some movements that were easy for you before, do not ignore these signs.
4. Pain in the chest area
Lung cancer can cause chest, shoulder, or back pain that is not associated with coughing. See your oncologist if you notice any chest pain, whether it's sharp, pulling, constant, or intermittent.
Mark for yourself whether the pain is limited to a certain area or spreads over the entire breast. Discomfort may arise from enlarged lymph nodes or metastases on the chest wall, pleura, or ribs.
5. Whistling sound
If the airways become narrowed, blocked, or inflamed, the lungs make a whistling sound when you breathe. Such a sound can also be associated with a benign disease that is easily treatable. However, it can also be a symptom of lung cancer. Therefore, be careful, do not try to calm yourself down and assume that it will "pass itself". See an oncologist to determine the cause.
6. A hoarse voice
If you yourself notice significant changes in your voice, or someone tells you that your voice has started to sound hoarse, do not delay a visit to the doctor.
Hoarseness can be caused by a simple cold, but can also indicate a serious illness if it persists for more than two weeks. Hoarseness associated with lung cancer occurs when the tumor affects the nerve that controls the throat.
7. Weight loss
Unexplained weight loss of 5 kg or more can be associated with both lung cancer and another type of cancer. Do not write off changes in weight for the realization of the dream of losing a few extra kilograms. Such a decrease should be a reason for a visit to an oncologist.
8. Pain in the bones
Lung cancer that has spread to the bones can cause back pain.
or in other parts of the body; the pain is worse at night. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish whether the bones or muscles hurt. Bone pain often happens at night and gets worse if you move.
In addition, lung cancer is sometimes associated with pain in the shoulder, arm, or neck, although this is less common. Be attentive to your pains, discuss them with the oncologist.
9. Headache
Headaches can be a sign that lung cancer has spread to the brain. However, not all headaches are associated with brain metastases.
Sometimes a lung tumor can put pressure on the superior vena cava. This is a large vein that moves blood from the upper body to the heart.
And now the answer to the main question is what to do.
A simple screening can help.
Know that a chest X-ray is not effective in detecting early stage lung cancer.
The results of special studies proved that low-dose computed tomography reduces lung cancer mortality by 20 percent.
To whom do we recommend a lung CT scan? For people at high risk of the disease:
- 20-year or more smoking experience;
- age from 50 to 80 years - regardless of smoking;
- smoking during the last 10 years;
- work at harmful industries.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above or meet any of the high-risk criteria, see a clinical oncologist. Discuss with a specialist the possibility of screening with the help of low-dose computed tomography.
At the Onco Consulting Center, you will be examined safely and comfortably on world-class equipment. Low-dose CT screening can be very helpful for you.
Make an appointment for a consultation
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