Lung Cancer Symptoms Guide

Symptoms of lung cancer may not appear until the cancer is in the advanced stages, making diagnosis difficult in many cases.

That is why it is very important for people, especially those at high risk, to understand lung cancer symptoms. People must be aware what these symptoms are and see their doctor if they even suspect they may have lung cancer.

Unseen Disease

Lung cancer does not usually produce any tell tale symptoms in earlier stages. Usually when symptoms do present they are related to the growth of the tumor or the spread of cancer to other areas of the body. In many cases, lung cancer is discovered when a chest x-ray is taken for another reason.

Without early symptoms, early detection of lung cancer is not possible, and as the disease grows, it becomes more difficult to treat and the likelihood of it spreading to other parts of the body becomes more likely.

Even when symptoms do present, it can be difficult to notice that they are something more than a chest cold or other common respiratory illness. Many times people ignore them or use over the counter medication to try and treat what they believe is a simple virus.

Symptoms

A common virus or infection is similar to the symptoms of lung cancer and may include:

* Ongoing cough

* Chest discomfort

* Shortness of breath

The best way to catch lung cancer symptoms early is to just be aware. Some things to be aware of and watch for are:

* If you smoke or used to smoke and you suddenly develop a new cough

* A cough that just will not go away no matter what medication you use to treat it.

* Pain in the chest that is dull, yet persistent.

* Panting

* Raspy voice

* Ongoing respiratory illness

Lung cancer symptoms can also vary depending on the type of cancer. Metastatic lung cancer tumors may react differently in the body and cause different symptoms. They can spread to the adrenal glands, the bones and even the brain. Most do not cause any symptoms.

The high death rate of lung cancer is due in large part to the fact that it is very difficult to diagnosis in the early stages of the disease.