Lung Cancer: Symptoms & Signs

In up to 25% of people who get lung cancer, there are no apparent symptoms at the time of diagnosis. In others, symptoms can occur from the cancer itself, from the metastatic spread of the cancer beyond its origin in the lung, or from so-called paraneoplastic syndromes that result from the production of hormone-like substances by the lung cancer cells. Common symptoms include

• cough,
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
• wheezing,
• chest pain, and
• coughing up blood.

Other symptoms can include

• shoulder pain,
• hoarseness, or
• difficulty swallowing.

Symptoms of metastatic disease can include

• headaches,
• vision changes,
• seizures,
• weakness, or
• symptoms of stroke.

Symptoms common to many cancers include fatigue, unexpected weight loss, and depression.

Causes of lung cancer

Lung cancer develops when a collection of cells in the lung tissue begins to grow and divide uncontrollably. This is usually due to damage to the cells' DNA. A number of agents have been linked to lung cancer; the most well known is tobacco smoking. About 90% of lung cancers are estimated to arise due to tobacco use. Other risk factors for the development of lung cancer include passive smoking, exposure to radon gas, asbestos exposure, air pollution, and certain lung diseases.

Other lung cancer symptoms and signs

• Blood in Sputum
• Chest Pain
• Cough
• Depression
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Hoarseness
• Numbness
• Seizures
• Shortness of Breath
• Shoulder Pain
• Tingling Sensation
• Weakness
• Weight Loss
• Wheezing

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SLIDESHOW

Lung Cancer: Early Signs, Symptoms, Stages See Slideshow