Knowing the first sign of lung cancer or any other type of cancer is surely the first step towards curing cancer. For getting to know the signs of lung cancer, we should first look into knowing what cancer is? And what are the conditions which make the disease to occur?
The basic building block in our bodies is the cell which makes up tissue and many tissues make up an organ. Fresh cells are made up as old cells die and are replaced with new cells. The cancer cells just keep on multiplying without the older cells dying and being replaced. These extra cells begin to amass and form a tumor or growth.
Tumors can be benign or malignant type. Benign tumors do not branch out to other parts of the body. Benign tumors are rarely life threatening and do not re-occur once removed. Malignant tumors on the other hand invade and infect nearby cells and can travel to other parts of the body through the blood stream or lymphatic vessels. This spread is called metastasis.
Lung cancer is a widespread condition and the fact that it is already in its advance stages when it is finally diagnosed makes the situation even more alarming.
The signs and symptoms like wheezing shortness of breath and cough are similar to many other diseases e.g. tuberculosis. Especially for the vast majority of its victims who happen to be tobacco smokers, exposed to asbestos, air pollution, passive smoking or air pollution any of the below signs and symptoms for a prolonged period of time warrants a thorough medical examination.
Following are some of the signs of lung cancer:
• Excessive fatigue
• Deteriorating breathlessness
• Chronic cough
• Weight loss & loss of appetite
• Hoarseness
• Wheezing
• Pyrexia cause of which cannot be diagnosed (fever with shivering)
• Chest pains
About one fourth of the patients have already experienced any or all of the above signs only to have ignored them. Eventually they may seek expert medical advice when they see blood appearing during coughing episodes. By this time it may already be too late, diminishing the chances of a possible cure.
Constant generalized body pains, sudden bouts of breathlessness with depression and fatigue for prolonged periods of time call for immediate check up to confirm the existence of lung cancer. Even if the cancer is diagnosed in the early stages the five year survival rate for patients is less than 15%.
Vast majority of the population of underdeveloped countries living and working in poor environmentally healthy conditions make them susceptible to many diseases. Lack of education and information further exacerbates an already difficult situation. Proper medical diagnosis is an even more remote possibility.
Even in developed societies people do not have enough medical knowledge to be wary of the symptoms and get a medical check up to rule out the occurrence of lung cancer. The other major reason hampering early detection in this environment is paucity of time. Again the fundamental reason is lack of sufficient knowledge to take the first sign of lung cancer seriously.
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