Below, you’ll find must-know information about lung cancer.
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the cells of the lungs. The cells grow abnormally forming a tumor. This interferes with the functioning of the lungs.
This particular type of cancer can be classified into two groups. Small cell lung cancer or SCLC is one type of lung cancer that arises from the cells that line the bronchi, the main airways of the lungs. SCLC can also be referred to as oat cell carcinoma. This is because of how cancer cells look when seen under a microscope.
Non-small cell lung cancer or NSCLC is another type of lung cancer that originates in the cells that line the bronchi and the peripheral lung tissue. NSCLC accounts for about 80% of all lung cancer cases and is further divided into three subtypes which are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. (1)
The primary cause of lung cancer is exposure to carcinogens. Tobacco smoke contains a lot of these carcinogens.
Other factors that can increase the risk of lung cancer include exposure to air pollution, radon gas, asbestos, and other occupational or environmental toxins.
Lung cancer can also be hereditary. Certain pre-existing lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and tuberculosis, have also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.
Without treatment, lung cancer can be fatal. It can easily spread to other parts of the body.
Knowing the symptoms of lung cancer can help the individual seek immediate medical attention.
9. Persistent Cough
A persistent cough is one of the common symptoms of lung cancer. If ignored it worsens over time or doesn’t go away. The presence of the tumor in the lungs can lead to persistent coughing.
The tumor triggers the cough by irritating the airways. It can also block or narrow the airways, making it more difficult to breathe and leading to coughing.
8. Chest Pain
Chest pain is another common symptom of lung cancer. It often gets worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing. This is usually caused by growing cancer that is pressing against the chest wall, ribs, or nerves.
Chest pain can also be caused by a buildup of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest wall. This causes pressure and pain in the chest.
7. Shortness Of Breath Or Wheezing
Lung cancer can increase the risk of bronchitis or pneumonia, which can cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways leading to shortness of breath and wheezing.
Shortness of breath or wheezing can also be brought about by the tumor that is blocking the airway. In some cases, shortness of breath and wheezing can be brought about by the worsening of the lung cancer itself.
6. Hoarseness Or Other Changes In Voice
Hoarseness is a common symptom that can occur in people with lung cancer. It results from the pressure exerted by the cancerous tumor on the laryngeal nerve, a nerve that travels from the chest to the voice box.
When cancer compresses or damages this nerve, it can lead to the paralysis of one of the vocal cords in the throat, causing a hoarse voice. The nerve compression can also cause changes in the pitch or volume of the voice, as well as difficulty speaking or swallowing.
5. Coughing Up Blood
Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum in lung cancer is a condition in lung cancer called hemoptysis. It occurs when blood comes up from the respiratory tract and is coughed out of the mouth.
The onset of this condition is brought about by the cancerous tumor in the lungs that are causing inflammation and irritation in the airways.
4. Fatigue Or Weakness
Lung cancer can cause a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body, leading to a condition known as anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue and weakness due to reduced oxygen supply to the body tissues.
People with lung cancer may also experience difficulty sleeping due to pain, which can contribute to fatigue and weakness during the day.
Lung cancer can also interfere with the appetite and digestive system, leading to malnutrition, which can cause fatigue and weakness.
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