Lung cancer is, most simply put, a type of cancer that originates in the lungs before potentially spreading to other areas of the body. Lung cancer can have a number of causes, but is most often caused by smoking or exposure to materials such as asbestos. Lung cancer is divided into two main types. The first is small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which is uncommon and usually only appears in heavy smokers.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is more common and covers many different types of lung cancers that develop and behave in the same way. Here are the common signs of lung cancer:
1. Persistent cough
One of the first and most common symptoms of lung cancer is a cough that lasts for a long time, without any other symptoms of a cold. The cough may seem like it is not going away. This persistent cough may come on gradually, but it can also be sudden. As the cough lingers, it may become gradually worse. Patients may also experience hoarseness from the continuous coughing.
2. Coughing blood
Along with a cough that will not leave, one of the first symptoms of lung cancer that people may experience is coughing up blood or blood in the mucus. Because of the way the tumors that go along with lung cancer form, they can often cause bleeding along the airways. This blood will sometimes be expelled as the patient coughs via mucus.
3. Chest pain
Another common symptom of lung cancer is chest pain. As the tumors grow within the lungs, they can push on the lungs themselves or otherwise cause obstructions. This in turn causes aches, pain, or discomfort. More advanced stages of lung cancer may spread to nearby bone or into the lining of the lungs, which also causes pain.
4. Shortness of breath
Due to the way the tumors associated with lung cancer form and grow, patients may experience shortness of breath. This is most commonly caused by the tumors blocking the airways, and is a common first indicator for lung cancer.
5. Pleural Effusion
Lung cancer often causes a build-up of fluid within the chest cavity. Aside from being a key symptom itself, this condition, which is known as pleural effusion, can also cause many of the other common indicators of lung cancer, including pain and shortness of breath.
6. Weight loss
Many people with lung cancer first experience a drastic weight loss. This weight loss can be caused by loss of appetite, which is another symptom of cancer. However, the weight loss is also often unexplained. Many people may not be trying to lose weight, but see a swift decrease in weight nonetheless.
