Pulmonary Complications from Cocaine and Cocaine-based Substances: Imaging Manifestations | RadioGraphics

8 Early Signs Of Lung Cancer You Shouldn't Ignore

Lung cancer, the most common cancer worldwide, is responsible for more cancer-related deaths than any other type. In India, it accounts for about 6 percent of all cancer diagnoses and over 8 percent of cancer-related deaths. Smoking remains the leading cause, with around 80 percent of lung cancer cases occurring in current or former smokers.

Over 95 percent of lung cancers in India are identified at either advanced stage or after they have spread to other parts of the body. Says Dr Sredharan M., Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital Goa, "This is because in early stages, lung cancer shows either vague symptoms or no symptoms at all. With the increasing stage of the cancer, the chance of survival drops significantly."

Story continues below Advertisement

While the symptoms of lung cancer can vary and may not always be apparent in the early stages, some common signs could indicate the disease, Dr Sredharan says, and shares 8 early signs of this deadly disease:

Persistent cough: A cough that doesn't go away after several weeks or worsens over time, especially if it's different from your usual smoker's cough, is concerning. Lung cancer irritates the airways and can cause persistent coughing as the tumor grows and obstructs airflow. If a cough lasts more than three weeks, especially if it produces blood or changes in nature, it's critical to see a doctor. Chronic cough is a common early symptom, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Coughing up blood: Even a small amount of blood or rust-coloured sputum in your cough is a red flag. This can occur when lung cancer tumours erode nearby blood vessels, leading to bleeding in the airways. Hemoptysis is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical evaluation. It's not just a sign of lung cancer but can also indicate other conditions like bronchitis, tuberculosis, or pulmonary embolism.

Shortness of breath: Experiencing breathlessness or wheezing during activities that previously didn't cause any issues may indicate lung cancer. Tumours can block air passages or cause fluid buildup in the lungs (pleural effusion), leading to breathing difficulties. Shortness of breath can be a sign of both early and advanced lung cancer.

Chest pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest, particularly when breathing deeply, coughing, or laughing, could be linked to lung cancer. This pain might be due to tumour invasion into the chest wall or pleura, the lining around the lungs. Chest pain associated with lung cancer is often dull and persistent. If the pain worsens over time or is localised in one area, it could indicate the spread of cancer to the chest wall or ribs, and a medical evaluation is necessary.

Hoarseness : A sudden, unexplained change in your voice, particularly if it becomes hoarse, could signal lung cancer. This occurs when the cancer affects the laryngeal nerve, which controls the voice box (larynx). Hoarseness can be a symptom of lung cancer pressing on the recurrent laryngeal nerve, leading to vocal cord paralysis.

Story continues below Advertisement

Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight unexpectedly without changes in diet or exercise may be a sign of lung cancer. Cancer can increase the body's metabolic rate and lead to muscle wasting (cachexia). Unexplained weight loss is often one of the first signs of cancer.

Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak, even without physical exertion, can be an early warning sign. Lung cancer can cause systemic inflammation and disrupt normal body processes, leading to fatigue. Fatigue in cancer patients is often described as feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally drained.

Frequent infection: Recurring respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, could indicate lung cancer. Tumours can obstruct the airways, creating a breeding ground for infections. If you find yourself getting respiratory infections more often, or if they are harder to treat, it could be a sign of lung cancer weakening the immune system or blocking airways.

Other symptoms like bone pain (especially in the lower back or hips), jaundice, swollen neck lymph nodes, headaches, dizziness, balance issues, or seizures can signal advanced lung cancer. These symptoms can also be linked to less serious conditions, but if they persist or worsen, it's essential to consult a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to better outcomes.

Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

Metastatic Lung Cancer

Cancer becomes metastatic when it grows and spreads from where it originally started to another part of the body. Metastatic lung cancer develops primarily in the lungs and later spreads to distant organs and tissues. It can also be referred to as advanced lung cancer or end-stage lung cancer due to the severity of symptoms and higher risk of serious complications.

Lung cancer metastasis (spread) usually doesn't occur in the early stage of the disease. However, depending on the type of lung cancer you have, cancer cells may grow and spread faster in some people than in others. For instance, small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which is a less common type of lung cancer, grows and spreads faster than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for about 80–85% of lung cancer cases. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Unfortunately, when cancer metastasizes, it also becomes more challenging to treat. However, treatments like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy can help manage the symptoms, improve the quality of life, and prolong life.

pocketlight / Getty Images

Lung cancer often starts causing symptoms when the disease progresses. Thus, metastatic lung cancer may cause symptoms like: If you're living with metastatic lung cancer, you may also experience additional symptoms based on which organs cancer cells spread to. Consider the following examples: Where Cancer Cells Spread  Symptoms Bones Bone soreness, joint pain, and a higher risk of fractures  Brain Headaches, confusion, dizziness, and seizures Liver Nausea, jaundice, and abdominal swelling Lymph nodes Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits and swelling Lung cancer develops when lung cells start growing and multiplying out of control. This often results in the formation of a tumor. Researchers are unsure why this abnormal cell growth occurs in some people. But over the years, they have found out that smoking is the major risk factor for lung cancer. Being exposed to secondhand smoke, radon, arsenic, and asbestos and having a family history of cancer can also increase the risk of this condition. However, lung cancer becomes metastatic when existing cancer cells spread to other areas, organs, and tissue in your body. The cancer cells can get to other organs by: Entering nearby tissue Breaking away from the primary tumor and moving through the blood to other body parts Spreading via the lymphatic system The risk of lung cancer metastasis also increases as the condition advances and if you're not receiving treatment for your cancer. Each type of cancer can spread to different parts of the body, but common metastasis sites for lung cancer include the brain, liver, bones, and lymph nodes. If you're experiencing symptoms of lung cancer or already have a diagnosis but are noticing that your symptoms are worsening, it's essential to receive care from a healthcare provider. There are several tests your healthcare team can use to diagnose metastatic lung cancer, including: Imaging test: Uses X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to generate clear images that reveal tumors Blood test: Assesses overall health, which can sometimes indicate if cancer cells have spread to the blood, bone marrow, or other organs Bone scan: Checks if cancer has spread to the bones and bloodstream Bronchoscopy: Involves the use of a tiny camera that gets inserted inside your lungs to check for cancer cells, the size of the tumor, and if cancer has spread outside the lungs Lumbar puncture: Takes a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid from the lower part of your spine to see if cancer has spread to the brain Lung biopsy: Removes a sample of your tissue from your chest wall or lymph nodes to check for the presence of cancer cells If you receive a diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer, the goal of treatment is to improve your quality of life by focusing on slowing down the progression of the disease and managing symptoms. Your exact treatment plan will depend on several factors, like age, the size of the tumor, what parts of the body the cancer has spread to, and overall health. Your healthcare team may recommend one or more of the following treatment options: Chemotherapy: Kills cancer cells to slow down their growth and spread Immunotherapy: Boosts your immune system's ability to help fight cancer cells Targeted therapy: Aims to slow down the growth of cancer cells using drugs that target specific proteins or genetic mutations Radiation therapy: Helps shrink tumors Surgery: Removes tumors, but is not usually recommended if cancer has spread too widely In some cases where cancer has spread to different parts of the body, it becomes difficult to control. If the disease is not curative, your treatment team will work with you to ensure you are aware of any potential treatments that may slow down the disease and maintain quality of life. When lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause several complications, such as: Fluid build-up in the lungs Painful swallowing Higher risk of infections Blood clots Spinal cord compression Loss of bladder control Weakness in the limbs or difficulty walking However, lung cancer treatment can also cause its own set of complications, like hair loss, pain, nausea, weight loss, lethargy, and low mood. Living with metastatic lung cancer can be difficult and overwhelming. It's not just the physical symptoms that affect your quality of life but also the emotional hardships you may face on this journey. Despite these challenges, support is available. Your healthcare team is a good resource for care. However, it's just as important to lean on your loved ones for emotional support. Joining a support group or talking to a mental health provider about your diagnosis and treatment journey can also help. It's worth remembering that your diagnosis doesn't define you. So, continue living your life to the fullest, be present in the moment, and take each day at a time. Participating in activities that you enjoy and spending time with the people you love is what matters. Thanks for your feedback! 14 Sources Health.Com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Cancer Institute. Metastatic Cancer: When Cancer Spreads Milovanovic IS, Stjepanovic M, Mitrovic D. Distribution patterns of the metastases of the lung carcinoma in relation to histological type of the primary tumor: An autopsy study. Annals of thoracic medicine. 2017;12(3):191–198. Doi:10.4103/atm.ATM_276_16 American Cancer Society. What is lung cancer?. World Health Organization. Lung cancer American Cancer Society. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer. MedlinePlus. Non-small cell lung cancer. National Cancer Institute. Non-small cell cancer treatment (PDQ). American Lung Association. Brain metastasis from lung cancer. American Lung Association. How is lung cancer diagnosed?. Leduc C, Antoni D, Charloux A, Falcoz PE, Quoix E. Comorbidities in the management of patients with lung cancer. European Respiratory Journal. 2017;49(3):1601721. Doi:10.1183/13993003.01721-2016 National Cancer Institute. Young people facing end-of-life care decisions. Boussios S, Cooke D, Hayward C, et al. Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression: Unraveling the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges. Anticancer Research.  2018;38(9):4987-4997. Doi:10.21873/anticanres.12817 Siddiqui F, Vaqar S, Siddiqui AH. Lung Cancer. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. American Cancer Society. Lung Cancer Survival Rates.

A Spotlight On Lung Cancer

Updated On Aug 27, 2024 at 11:38 AM IST

Read by: 100 Industry Professionals

Dr Sravan Kumar Dubasi - Consultant Medical Oncologist & Hemato-Oncologist at KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad

The emergence of lung cancer arises from the unchecked proliferation of irregular cells within the lungs, impeding the formation of healthy lung tissue and disrupting normal respiratory functions. This formidable disease poses a grave threat to public health in regions like India, where its impact can be particularly devastating.

Trends in lung cancer: Global & Indian data

The latest global report shows a significant 2,480,675 new cases and 1,817,469 deaths related to lung cancer, further solidifying its position as the leading cancer in terms of this unfortunate statistics. In India, there have been 81,748 new cases and a total of 75,031 deaths reported, placing lung cancer at fourth place in the rankings.

Risk factors

Smoking, including second-hand smoke

Exposure to radon, asbestos, arsenic and other cancer-causing agents

Air pollution

Family history

Signs and symptoms to look for

Lung cancer symptoms may include coughing that doesn't go away, coughing up blood, breathing difficulty, wheezing, chest pain, feeling tired the whole day and weight loss from unknown cause.

Importance of early diagnosis

Our knowledge of the evolving epidemiological patterns of lung cancer in Indian patients is lacking. The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is only 18.6–19%, lower than several other prominent cancer types. The uncertainty surrounding life expectancy post-diagnosis is unsettling. However, early detection plays a crucial role in predicting outcomes. Regrettably, lung cancer progresses rapidly, often without noticeable symptoms in the initial stages. Hence, it is crucial to detect lung cancer early since it is often diagnosed in advanced stages due to the absence of clear symptoms in the initial phases. Screening high-risk individuals could significantly enhance lung cancer survival rates by identifying the disease sooner when it is more treatable. Early identification through low-dose CT screening has the potential to reduce lung cancer mortality by 14–20% among high-risk populations.

Diagnostic approaches

Diagnostic methods for lung cancer include physical examination; imaging tests like chest x-rays, computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging; bronchoscopy; biopsy and molecular testing to identify specific genetic mutations; or biomarkers to guide the best treatment option.

Treatment modalities

The early detection of lung cancer can open up doors to more effective treatments and positive outcomes. While traditional treatment methods may not offer complete cures, they can greatly enhance survival rates and alleviate symptoms. Scientists are constantly exploring innovative approaches, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, either on their own or in conjunction with other treatments. Immunotherapy, a groundbreaking treatment that harnesses the body's own immune system to combat cancer, has seen success in treating advanced lung cancer with the use of Monoclonal Antibodies (MAB). Excitingly, recent results from a significant clinical trial reveal that combining MAB with chemotherapy prior to surgery can significantly stall the progression or recurrence of the disease.

Supportive care serves as a crucial treatment avenue for individuals battling lung cancer, offering symptom management, pain alleviation, emotional backing and enhancing the quality of life for both patients and their loved ones.

In India, enhancing lung cancer survival rates relies on timely detection, proper treatment and robust public health initiatives. Let's raise awareness and combat this formidable disease together.

Disclaimer:

The information provided is for educational purpose only and does not substitute medical advice from your physician. Roche makes no representation with respect to any treatment action or application of medication through this educational endeavor and therefore will not be liable of any direct or indirect damage arising there from. Please consult your treating physician for any further advice and treatment.

Input Code: M-IN-00004921

Valid Upto: This input is not valid after 23rd August 2025

Issued in Public Interest by: RocheProducts (India) Pvt. Ltd. 146-B, 166 A, Unit No. 7, 8, 9, 8th Floor,

R City Office, R City Mall, Lal Bahadur Shastri arg, Ghatkopar, Mumbai - 400 086.Tel: +91(22)50457300, Fax: +91(22)50457301

Published On Aug 27, 2024 at 11:33 AM IST

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis.

---