symptoms and sign of lungs cancer

Up to one quarter of people with lung cancer may have no symptoms when the cancer is diagnosed. These cancers are usually identified, however, when a chest radiograph performed for another reason. Most people, but develop symptoms. The symptoms caused by the direct effects of the primary tumor, the effects of metastatic tumors in other parts of the body, or to disturbances of hormones, blood or other systems caused by cancer.

The main symptoms of lung cancer are cough, coughing up blood, chest pain and shortness of breath.

A new cough in a smoker or former smoker, should raise concern for lung cancer

A cough that does not subside or worsens over time should be evaluated by a health professional.

Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) occurs in a significant number of people who have lung cancer. Any amount of coughing up blood is cause for concern.

Chest pain is a symptom of about a quarter of people with lung cancer. The pain is dull, throbbing, and persistent.

Shortness of breath usually results from a blockage of airflow in a portion of the lung, accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion), or the spread of the tumor in the lungs.

Wheezing or hoarseness may signal blockage or bronchitis, which can move forward with cancer.

Respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia may be a sign of lung cancer.

Symptoms of metastatic lung tumors depend on the location and size. About 30% -40% of people with lung cancer have symptoms or signs of metastatic disease.

Lung cancer often spreads to the liver, adrenal glands, bones and brain.

Metastatic lung cancer in the liver usually has no symptoms, at least until the time of diagnosis.

Metastatic lung cancer in the adrenal glands also usually causes no symptoms.

Bone metastases is more common than small cell lung cancer, but also occurs in other types of lung cancer. Lung cancer has metastasized to bone causes bone pain, usually the spine (vertebrae), hip and ribs.

Lung cancer that spreads to the brain can cause vision problems, weakness on one side of the body, and / or convulsions.

Paraneoplastic syndromes are remote, indirect effects of cancer, which is not directly related to the invasion of the organs of tumor cells. Often, they are due to chemicals released by tumors. The symptoms are as follows:

Finger Clubbing - depositing excess tissue under the nails

New bone formation - along the legs or arms

Anemia - low red blood cell count and high levels of calcium or sodium in the blood

Other effects - muscle weakness, skin rashes, and brain atrophy

Weight Loss

Fatigue

Low sodium