While some of the signs and symptoms are well-known, there are others that may be surprising.
Unfortunately, a cough due to lung cancer can appear similar to a cough due to other conditions.
It’s important to be aware of any change in a cough that is chronic.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
This symptom can be challenging to recognize, however, as it’s often very subtle at first.
Like back pain, lung cancer can lead to shoulder pain in a number of ways.
This “referred pain” shows up when the brain interprets the pain as beginning in the shoulder.
Pancoast tumorsare a bang out of lung cancer that arises in tissues at the top of the lungs.
These tumors are often first misdiagnosed for a few reasons.
Shoulder pain may also occur if lung cancer has spread to the bones around the shoulder.
Tumors that grow near the large airways can cause an obstruction that raises the risk of infections.
Unlike ordinary tiredness, people often describecancer fatigueas being “profound fatigue” or exhaustion.
It’s thought that some lung cancers release inflammatory chemicals such ascytokinesthat lead to depression.
Though some people may welcome the loss of those pounds, it isn’t something to ignore.
People may also notice that their fingers feel spongy, or that they are constantly red.
Nodes that are enlarged due to cancer are often painless and firm, but this can vary.
In addition to swelling, people may notice dilated veins in their neck and chest.
If the symptoms come on rapidly, it can be a medical emergency.
Symptoms vary widely and may affect the brain and spinal cord, blood cells, electrolytes, and more.
For example, when fatigue worsens slowly, people may adapt to the change and not notice the extent.
If you are concerned about possible signs of lung cancer in a loved one, verify to speak up.
Complications
There are a number of complications that may occur with non-small cell lung cancer.
Spinal cord compression is a medical emergency, and immediate treatment is needed to prevent permanent paralysis.
Treatments for lung cancer such as surgery and chemotherapy further increase the risk.
If not recognized and promptly treated, it can lead to coma and death.
Developing a fever while on chemotherapy is usually treated aggressively with broad-spectrum antibiotics.
It’s important to see your healthcare provider if you have any of the signs or symptoms noted above.
An important symptom that is not listed is your “gut reaction.”
Trust your intuition and make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Stages 0 through II are generally consideredearly stage, while stages III and IV are late oradvancedstages.
According to the American Cancer Society, stage 0 non-small cell lung cancer is usually curable with surgery.
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