LUNG CANCER SYMPTOMS WHICH ARE OVERLOOKED
The best way to conquer cancer is to detect it early. And to do so, it is necessary to undergo screening at the right time. In India, where doctors and patients are contending with diagnostic tests rather than screening. When we report to the doctor with specific symptoms, the doctor may prescribe some tests to diagnose the cause based on need. It is quite possible that by then, the cancer might have developed beyond an early stage.
In many forms of cancer, there is a possibility that it may not present any symptoms in the early stages. Also, it may show a few such symptoms which we never relate to cancer and ignore. For example, doctors suggest women undergo an annual pap smear and mammogram after a certain age to detect possible ovarian and breast cancer. In developed countries, doctors suggest yearly lung cancer screening, especially for people considered to be high-risk. However, it is not so in India currently. So what are the symptoms we can watch out for in lung cancer:
The known lung cancer symptoms:
- Persistent cough
- Hoarseness
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness
- Chest pain with deep breathing and coughing.
If you experience one or more of these symptoms which do not go away, it is best to visit a doctor and get a screening done.
However, a few lesser-known, surprising symptoms associated with lung cancer also occur, here they are:
1 Stomach issue-One or two out of ten lung cancer patients develop stomach issues due to high blood calcium levels. It causes nausea, stomach aches, vomiting, and even constipation. You may even lose your appetite due to these issues.
2 Back or shoulder pain– Pancoast tumour, an upper lung cancer generally above the first rib, occurs at the upper end of either of the lungs and causes pain in your back, shoulder, and arm rather than respiratory organs. This cancer can spread to the spine, ribs, etc., if not detected and treated in time.
3 Fatigue– Tiredness, fatigue, or a low red blood cell count can indicate lung cancer. The fatigue, in this case, happens because the cancer cells feed themselves with nutrients and leave their normal cells depleted. The blood cells will not get the required amount of oxygen, leaving you tired. However, this could be also a false alarm, as fatigue is a symptom of many diseases.
4 Balance issue– If you are experiencing balance issues while trying to sit, get up etc., underlying lung cancer may be the reason. Lung cancer cells can attack your nervous system and muscles, weakening them and causing balancing issues during movement.
5 Eye issues– Imagine having even eye issues linked to lung cancer. Sadly, it is possible. Small cell lung cancer can affect the nervous system causing vision issues. Also, some lung cancer tumours can affect the nerves of the eyes and the face, even causing a drooping eyelid.
6 Headaches– You may have heard of brain tumours causing headaches, but how lung cancer is linked to this. If a tumour is squeezing your superior vena cava ( a vein that takes blood without oxygen in it into the heart), making it hard for blood to flow through, it can cause your head to pound, or you may even pass out. Even high calcium levels can bring on terrible headaches.
7 Finger clubbing– 80% of the people who have finger clubbing have lung cancer. However, it is not a well-known symptom of lung cancer. Some tumours generate hormone-like chemicals, pushing more blood to the fingertips, causing their changed look. Thus they look fatter and may be indicators of lung cancer.
8 Mental health issues– Some studies suggest that the odds of people with mental health issues developing lung cancer are higher. However, it could be due to the cancer’s effect on the brain and hormones, causing anxiety and depression.
None of the above eight mentioned symptoms conclusively indicate the presence of lung cancer and may occur due to various other reasons. However, if you notice these symptoms, it may be better to discuss them with your doctor and get a screening done, especially, if you are in the high-risk category.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
4th May 2023