“How I Knew I Had Lung Cancer – Early Signs You Should Never Ignore”

The symptoms of lung cancer, which can be diverse but frequently include chest pain, a persistent cough, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and inexplicable weight loss, are frequently identified after they become obvious. Even if these symptoms appear minor, it’s crucial to see a doctor if any of them persist or get worse, since early identification greatly enhances treatment outcomes.

Each lung cancer case is unique, and several of the typical symptoms overlap with those of other illnesses. If screening is advised for you because you belong to a high-risk group, seize the chance to be screened right away. And regardless of your background, let your healthcare professional know if you have a persistent symptom that is bothering you. Keep in mind that lung cancer may strike anyone who has lungs.

Is it Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer often manifests no symptoms that you can see or feel in its early stages. It may later cause chest discomfort, wheezing, and coughing. However, there are additional, less well-known consequences that can manifest themselves in surprising ways. (Naturally, these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than lung cancer.)

Chubbier fingertips

Certain lung malignancies produce hormone-like substances. One of them increases the amount of blood and fluid sent to the tissues in your fingertips, making them appear thicker or bigger than normal. When viewed from the side, your nails can appear to have a greater curvature, and the skin around them can look glossy. Although rare, finger clubbing is strongly associated with lung cancer, with about 80% of those who have it also suffering from the condition.

Problems with the Stomach

Hypercalcemia, a condition in which calcium levels are elevated, affects between one and two out of every ten cancer patients. An excessive amount of calcium in your blood might cause abdominal pain, nausea, or constipation. You might be very thirsty and not in the mood to eat. Some malignancies secrete another hormone-like compound that interferes with the kidneys, resulting in cramps and nausea.

Problems with mental health

According to a Danish research, individuals who had previously visited a mental health expert in the previous year for conditions including anxiety, depression, and dementia were more likely to be diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. The fact that cancer has the ability to spread to the brain may be related to how it impacts your hormones or immune system. Cancer-related high calcium levels can also lead to depression, confusion, and muddled thinking.

Exhaustion

One of the most frequent consequences of lung cancer is anemia, or low red blood cell count. You might feel extremely fatigued from anemia since your body’s tissues aren’t getting enough oxygen. In general, cancer cells consume the nutrients that you need to get through the day. As a result, you could experience a dragging sensation when you have the illness.

Tiredness

Anemia, or a low red blood cell count, is a typical result of lung cancer. Anemia can cause significant fatigue because your body’s tissues do not receive enough oxygen. In general, cancer cells prefer to consume the nutrients you need to get through the day. As a result, you might feel like you’re dragging when you have the illness.

Being Out of Balance

Small-cell lung malignancies have the potential to instruct your immune system to target your neurological system, which might have an impact on the functioning of your muscles. When sitting, it can be challenging to get up, or you may feel unsteady. If a tumor in the upper right lung presses on the superior vena cava, the major artery that carries blood from the head to the heart, you might experience dizziness due to anemia or a blockage.

Weight Shift

Cushing’s syndrome is a symptom of small-cell lung cancer in some patients. ACTH, a hormone that increases cortisol levels, may be produced by your body in response to the cancer. This causes weight gain and fluid retention. (Additionally, you could experience extreme bruising and tiredness.)

Hypercalcemia and SIADH, a hormonal disorder that impacts your kidneys, tend to cause appetite loss, which can lead to unintentional weight reduction.

Eye Issues

Tumors in the Pancoast may also injure the nerves that innervate your eyes and a portion of your face. Horner syndrome is characterized by a constricted pupil in one of the eyes and a drooping upper eyelid. Additionally, the side of your face will have a harder time perspiring.

Problems with vision may be a sign of small-cell lung cancer that causes your immune system to attack your nervous system.

Males with Enlarged Breasts

Although uncommon, gynecomastia can be caused by lung cancer. Your hormone balance may be thrown off by large-cell lung cancer, which can also result in soreness and enlargement of breast tissue in men.

Headaches

If a tumor is in the correct location, it might constrict your superior vena cava, making it more difficult for blood to pass through. A pounding headache might result from the backed-up blood. You might even pass out. High calcium levels can also cause excruciating headaches.

If you experience new headaches or a shift in the way your headaches occur, you should consult your doctor.

Heart issues

A rapid or erratic heartbeat is one of the symptoms that both hypercalcemia and anemia may induce. Hypercalcemia is likely to cause your heart problems, and it might be serious enough for you to have a heart attack or fall into a coma. Chest pain and shortness of breath can also result from severe anemia.

Arms, neck, or face that are swollen

Blood from the upper half of your body has nowhere else to go if a tumor blocks your superior vena cava. The excess fluid waiting to pass through may cause your face, arms, and neck to swell. The skin of your chest can also become a bluish-red hue.

Achiness and weakness

Cells frequently move via the bloodstream to your bones and create new tumors, or lesions, when lung cancer spreads (metastasizes). These lesions usually harm your bones, making them more susceptible to pain and breakability. An electrolyte imbalance caused by hypercalcemia or SIADH can cause pain all over and make you feel weak. Cancer can weaken muscles if it affects your neurological system, making it difficult to talk or eat.

Blood Clots: PE and DVT

People who have lung cancer are more prone to blood clots in their legs or arms (a condition known as deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism). The reason is unknown. The tumor itself may produce chemicals that cause clots, or the cancer may lead to inflammation that sets off the clotting mechanism. If you have a blood clot and other cancer symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, your doctor may also conduct tests.

Common Lung Cancer Symptoms:

A persistent cough that either does not disappear or gets worse over time is a typical early indicator.

• Breathlessness: It may indicate lung problems if you feel out of breath or have trouble breathing even when doing regular tasks.
• Chest Pain: Another possible symptom is a dull or acute pain in the chest, particularly when coughing or taking deep breaths.
• Blood in Mucus: Even minute quantities of blood in your mucus should be checked out by a doctor.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Weight loss that occurs without effort might be a sign, especially if it’s accompanied by exhaustion.
• Wheezing: An airway obstruction might be indicated by a whistling sound during respiration.
• Hoarseness: A change in your voice might be a sign as well.

When to Consult a Doctor:

• if any of the aforementioned symptoms persists or worsens.
• Particularly if it doesn’t get better with antibiotics, a new cough or a shift in your current cough should be reported to your doctor.
• Even if it’s a little bit, if you cough up blood.
• in case of a sudden or increasing shortness of breath.
• If your chest pain is persistent or intensifies when you cough, laugh, or take a deep breath.
• If you have unexplained weight reduction.

Significant Things to Think About:

• Several symptoms of lung cancer might resemble those of other, less severe diseases.
• Early identification of lung cancer is essential because it usually doesn’t manifest symptoms until it has progressed.
• A new or worsening cough should be evaluated, even if you smoke.
• In non-smokers, lung cancer is becoming more prevalent, which highlights the importance of everyone understanding the warning signals.