What Are Lung Cancer Symptoms?

Paraneoplastic Syndromes Lung Cancer Symptoms

As is true with many other forms of cancer, lung cancer symptoms are practically non-existent in the early stages of the disease. In fact, in about 25 percent of lung cancer cases, no symptoms appear by the time the diagnosis is made. Lung cancer is often discovered accidentally when the patient is being tested for something else.

When lung cancer symptoms are present however, the patient is likely to experience any of the following.

Coughing and wheezing A persistent cough that gets worse over the course of a few weeks might be a lung cancer symptom. This is especially true if the person coughs up blood. Coughing up blood, which is known medically as hemoptysis, is often a lung cancer symptom.

Anyone who has smoked for a long time, even if they quit, should see a doctor quickly if a persistent cough develops.

Wheezing and hoarseness may also develop when there's a blockage or inflammation in the lungs triggered by a lung cancer tumor.

Chest pain Chest pain or angina is a classic symptom of heart disease, but about 25 percent of people with lung cancer also experience chest discomfort. Whereas heart trouble is usually characterized by sharp pain, lung cancer tends to produce a dull, aching discomfort.

Back pain lung cancer symptoms Upper back pain, shoulder pain and neck pain are lung cancer symtptoms that are frequently unnoticed or ignored. These lung cancer symptoms occur because of a tumor pressing on the lining of the lungs.

Shortness of breath This is also a classic symptom of heart disease caused by the heart's inability to supply the body with enough oxygen-rich blood. In the case of lung cancer however, shortness of breath results when air flow is blocked by a tumor. It might also result from the collection of fluid in the lining around the lungs.

Respiratory infections Lung cancer symptoms also include repeated respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia.

Paraneoplastic syndromes as lung cancer symptoms There are other lung cancer symptoms which are not the direct result of a tumor in the lung. These symptoms are called paraneoplastic syndromes. They are indirect effects, which are usually are triggered by chemicals produced in the tumor.

These lung cancer symptoms include:

• anemia,
• facial swelling
• clubbing of fingers,
• degeneration of mental acuity,
• fatigue,
• low sodium levels,
• muscle weakness,
• new bone formation along the lower legs or arms,
• skin rashes,
• unexplained weight loss.

Anyone experiencing these lung cancer symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible. When lung cancer is detected before symptoms begin to appear, there are more treatment options and a higher survival rate.

When lung cancer is detected before it has metastasized (spread to other organs), the five-year survival rate is nearly 50 percent. However, after lung cancer has spread, the five year survival rate drops to just two percent.

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