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What are the Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a devastating disease that affects more than 200,000 people each year in America. Both men and women are susceptible to the disease, and it is more common in people over the age of 65. The illness can be brought on by several factors, including smoking, inhaling second hand smoke, air pollution, exposure to asbestos or radon gas, or even a genetic predisposition. The majority of lung cancers, however, develop as a result of regular tobacco use. About 90 percent of lung cancer patients are current or former smokers who have developed the disease over time. In many of these cases, unfortunately, the person doesn't realize the danger that is growing in their body until it has become an advanced stage of cancer. Early detection is crucial to fighting this illness, so it is important to understand and watch for the early symptoms of lung cancer.

Lung cancer usually doesn't manifest itself right away. In fact, many people don't even realize they have the disease because there either are no warning signs or they are not watching for them. About 25 percent of the people diagnosed with lung cancer discover they have the disease during a routine chest exam and x-ray. The cancer usually shows up on the x-ray as a solitary small mass. Often, these people were not even aware of their illness because they had no symptoms. Other people, however, do develop noticeable symptoms, such as a persistent cough, constant chest pain, coughing up blood, and repeated pneumonia or bronchitis. Breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath, hoarseness, and wheezing can also be early signs of lung cancer, as can fatigue, facial swelling, and weight loss. Chronic symptoms like these often indicate that cancerous cells have begun growing. If you are at risk for developing lung cancer and have noticed any of these chronic symptoms, it is imperative that you see your doctor right away to check for lung cancer or any other illness you may be suffering from.

Beyond the early symptoms of lung cancer, the disease evolves in stages where symptoms get more severe. A person with Stage 1 lung cancer has cancer cells that are confined to the lungs; in other words, the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. Stage 2 and Stage 3 cancer patients have cells that have moved to affect the chest area. Stage 4 is the most advanced form of lung cancer, and it occurs when the cells have metastasized to other areas of the body.

Treatments for lung cancer vary and can include surgically removing tumors (this is usually performed on patients with Stage 1 or Stage 2 cancer), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or even experimental therapies. Most people discuss different treatment options with their doctors to find out which one will best treat their individual case, and many end up using a variety of treatments to fight the cancer.

Like any major illness, early detection is key in fighting lung cancer. Knowing the symptoms and paying attention to your body, especially if your lifestyle puts you at a higher risk for the disease, is the most important thing you can do to keep yourself healthy.