Spotting the Signs: Early Symptoms and Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Many lung cancer cases are not diagnosed until an advanced stage due to how easy it is to mistake the symptoms for other, less severe respiratory illnesses. However, detecting lung cancer early means more treatment options are available. So, what should you look out for if you’re concerned? Below, our team explains what symptoms merit a doctor’s visit and how lung cancer is diagnosed.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
Lung cancer forms in the tissues that line the airways. The cancerous cells quickly multiply and damage surrounding tissue. As early-stage lung cancer is typically confined to the airways, the symptoms mainly affect your respiratory tract. Early warning signs include:
● A persistent cough that worsens over time or does not clear up after a few weeks
● General feelings of fatigue or weakness that don’t go away
● Wheezing or hoarseness
● Chest pain, especially with laughing or deep breathing
● Recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia infections
● Shortness of breath
● Fingertip “clubbing” – widening of the fingertips
● Arm or shoulder pain
● Rust-colored phlegm
Later symptoms may include weight loss, appetite loss, bone pain, and swollen lymph nodes. But remember, these symptoms do not always mean cancer! However, you should consult a doctor for advice.
Causes of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is primarily caused by long-term tobacco use, which accounts for the majority of cases. However, non-smokers can also develop lung cancer due to various factors. Second-hand smoke exposure, inhaling asbestos fibers, radon gas exposure, air pollution, and a family history of lung cancer are significant risk factors. Additionally, certain genetic mutations can increase susceptibility. Occupational hazards, such as exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants, also play a crucial role in the development of lung cancer. Understanding these causes helps in identifying at-risk individuals and implementing preventive measures.
Testing for Lung Cancer
If your doctor suspects lung cancer, the objectives are to:
● Confirm the diagnosis.
● Determine the type of lung cancer you have.
● Identify how advanced the cancer is, i.e., what stage of lung cancer you have.
● Chest x-ray to identify concerning areas
● Obtaining a sample of your lung tissue through a biopsy
● The use of a tiny camera to explore your airways and, if required, obtain a sample of concerning tissue
● An ultrasound to detect cancerous cells in nearby chest tissue
PET-CT scans, or MRI scans, are used to determine how advanced the disease is and whether it has spread elsewhere in the body.
Lung Cancer Treatments
Your physician will explain the best course of treatment, depending on factors including the stage and type of your lung cancer. However, the most common treatment options include:
● Immunotherapy: The use of the body’s immune system and immune response to inhibit cancerous cell growth.
● Radiation therapy: High-energy beams target and destroy cancerous cells within the body.
● Surgery: Manual procedure to remove cancerous tissue from the body. This may be an option for certain types of early-stage lung cancer.
● Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells and prevent their growth.
Always consult your doctor for any questions or concerns about your treatment plan.
Lung cancer has many causes. However, if you believe that you or a loved one may have developed lung cancer after exposure to harmful chemicals at work, contact Madeksho Law. Call 888-910-6376 for a free consultation, or leave us a message online. We will listen to what happened, explain if you have a case, and discuss the next steps.
