Sadly, many symptoms associated with lung cancer may not appear in the earlier stages when one can benefit the most from treatment. By the time most people (as much as 85%) display symptoms they might associate with lung cancer, it has already progressed to less treatable, advanced stages, with very poor chances of recovery.
Often, by the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body. Once this has happened, some symptoms may not seem related to the lungs and could mistakenly appear to be other types of illnesses. This is why early detection is so important.
Some common symptoms which may appear can be:
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New onset of coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath
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Recurring pneumonia or bronchitis
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Unusual tiredness or fatigue
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Hoarseness
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Unexplained pain in the chest, upper back, shoulder or arm
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Coughing up blood
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Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
Some less expected symptoms due to spreading of the cancer could be:
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Swelling in the area of the neck or even the face
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Headaches
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Bone fractures and pain
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Unexplained bleeding or clotting