Signs & Symptoms of Lung Cancer

lung-cancer-symptoms-2Sadly, one of the reasons that lung cancer is so deadly is that it usually does not cause symptoms until the disease has advanced and spread. In a reasonably large portion of patients, however, there may be subtle symptoms that are ignored or misinterpreted. By paying attention to the symptoms of lung cancer and taking action in a timely manner, diagnosis and treatment can begin earlier.

Earlier diagnosis and treatment can turn into a better overall lung cancer prognosis.

Since lung cancer is most common in smokers, it is often difficult for patients to recognize the symptoms when they occur on top of already frequent lung and breathing problems. In those exposed to asbestos—another large group of lung cancer patients—lung cancer symptoms may be more easily recognized.

The symptoms of lung cancer can be divided into three main types: symptoms caused by the tumor itself, symptoms caused by local spread of the lung cancer, and symptoms caused by widespread metastasis. The most common lung cancer symptoms are listed below.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

Primary
Tumor

Symptoms include:

  • Chest pain (increases with breathing in some cases)
  • Cough (sometimes bloody)
  • Fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion)
  • Pneumonia (often repeated cases)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing

Local Spread of the Tumor

Symptoms include:

  • Changes in voice (hoarse)
  • Changes in pupil dilation
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Strange sound when breathing (sometimes called stridor)
  • Fluid accumulation in the lungs

Distant Spread of the Tumor

Symptoms include:

  • Weakness and/or numbness
  • Trouble walking
  • Pain in the bones
  • Visual troubles
  • Any neurological problem that has no other cause

Small-cell lung cancers, one of the main types of lung cancer comprising about 15% of all cases, are well known for causing paraneoplastic syndromes. These syndromes can cause a number of bizarre and seemingly disparate symptoms. While they are most common in small-cell lung cancers, any lung cancer can cause a paraneoplastic syndrome.

Some of the more common paraneoplastic syndromes that occur with lung cancer are hypercalcemia, Trousseau syndrome, SIADH, elevated ACTH production, and Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Paraneoplastic syndromes are fairly rare disorders. When they occur from lung cancer it usually indicates advanced disease. Some paraneoplastic syndromes associated with lung cancer are included below.

Paraneoplastic Syndromes Associated with Lung Cancer

Hypercalcemia

Symptoms include:

  • Elevated calcium levels in the blood
  • Nausea/vomiting/constipation
  • Kidney stones/flank pain
  • Muscle twitches/weakness

SIADH

(Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion)

Symptoms include:

  • Low blood sodium
  • Loss of appetite/nausea/vomiting
  • Headaches/blurred vision/confusion
  • Muscle cramps/weakness

Distant Spread of the Tumor

Symptoms include:

  • Elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production
  • Facial puffiness and roundess
  • Fat around the upper back, neck and abdomen
  • Purple lines on the abdomen (striae)

Lambert-Eaton Syndrome

Symptoms include:

  • Nerves do not release neurotransmitter on muscles
  • Cause muscle weakness
  • Trouble chewing, swallowing, talking, climbing stairs
  • Rising from a seated position

Read more about:
» Lung Cancer Treatment
» Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Compensation information is available for those diagnosed with lung cancer. Call us toll-free at 1-800-998-9729.

Lung Cancer Answers is a website devoted to life issues for lung cancer patients and their families and is sponsored by Brad Cooper* of Cooper, Hart, Leggiero & Whitehead, PLLC. Cooper, Hart, Leggiero & Whitehead is located in The Woodlands, Texas (Greater Houston Area), handles cases nationwide with co-counsel in state of filing, and can be reached toll-free at 1-800-998-9729 for more information on lung cancer. Brad Cooper is not a medical doctor. The information on these pages is for the education of lung cancer patients and their families regarding potential medical and legal options. Patients are advised to consult with a medical doctor.

* Licensed by the Supreme Courts of Texas.

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