What You Should Know About Lung Cancer Symptoms

Lung Cancer Symptoms Information

Lung cancer has become so prevalent in the last half-century, we'd all do well to recognize the symptoms. Often spreading to the brain, liver, bones and adrenal glands makes this cancer especially dangerous. Fully one quarter of people diagnosed with lung cancer have no symptoms and are only discovered in a routine x-ray of the chest.

Here are some possible lung cancer symptoms that signal an inquiry with your physician.

Coughs without obvious causes, such as a cold, should be observed closely. If you develop a cough and are a smoker, experience chest pain, a persistent cough, or cough up blood, a visit to your doctor is warranted.

Pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite and weight loss, difficulty when swallowing and general fatigue are common lung cancer symptoms.

Shortness of breath may indicate a tumor in the lungs. A dull, ongoing pain in the chest is a lung cancer symptom found in about a quarter of lung cancer victims. Unexplained wheezing and hoarseness may also be reason for concern.

Other lung cancer symptoms include pain in the arms, shoulder or in the upper back. Swelling of the neck and face may also be indicators of lung cancer.

If you have repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia, this can be a lung cancer symptom. Check this out with your doctor.

Some lungcancersymptoms do not show up until the cancer has spread to other organs, and manifest in seemingly unrelated ailments such as headaches, blood clots and even bone fractures.

Lung Cancer Symptoms and Advice

Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of lung cancer, particularly in smokers.

While smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, exposure to Radon gas is the second most common cause. Naturally occurring radioactive radium in the earth's crust breaks down, producing Radon gas as a by-product. The EPA here in the U.S. estimates about 6% of homes have radon levels above that considered safe. A test for Radon levels is a preemptive step in analyzing your risk in conjunction with the lungcancersymptoms listed above.

Make an honest assessment of your lifestyle when looking over these possible lung cancer symptoms. Don't be too paranoid, but be prudent. Many of these lung cancer symptoms are not exclusive to lung cancer, but may indicate another condition requiring medical attention. If you feel that some of these symptoms or risk factors apply to you, make an appointment with your doctor for a checkup. Lung cancer is too dangerous to dismiss out of hand. The earlier you catch this disease, the better your chances of survival.