|
|
 |
Home >
Thoracic Surgery > Lung Cancer > Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms
Many people do not exhibit symptoms of lung cancer until the cancer has spread or the tumor becomes large enough to cause difficulty breathing. It is important to report any of the following signs and symptoms to your doctor immediately. Early diagnosis, intervention and treatment improve the overall outcome and survival rate.
Separate respiratory and other symptoms associated with lung cancer which can indicate that the cancer has spread to
other body parts include:
- Persistent cough (non-smokers cough for more than 2 weeks)
- Chest pain that may or may not increase with inspiration
- Change in the color or volume of sputum
- Blood in sputum
- Wheezing
- Recurrent respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- Shortness of breath
- weight loss and loss of appetite
Other signs and symptoms include:
-
 Abnormally pale or bluish skin around mouth or fingers
- Facial drooping or numbness
- Eyelid drooping
- Muscle wasting or shrinkage
- Development of breasts in men
- Bone fractures not associated with accident or injury
- Unsteady gait
- Periodic memory loss
- Generalized weakness
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Finger tip abnormalities (clubbing)
- Joint or bone pain
- Swelling of the neck or face
- Speech/ swallowing difficulties/hoarseness
|
References:
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Cancer Prevention and Control. *Last accessed March 2005.
www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services. Fact Book (2003). www.cancer.gov
- Pass, H. et al. Lung Cancer Principles and Practice.2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. 2000.
- Scott, W. Lung Cancer: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment.Omaha: Addicus Books. 2000.
- Henschke C, McCarthy P, Wernick S, Lung Cancer. Myth, Facts, Choices–and Hope.New York: WW Norton & Co Ltd. 2002.
|
|
