Fleischner Society: Glossary of Terms for Thoracic Imaging

Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Of Lung Cancer: Don't Ignore These 8 Warning Signs

Your lungs play a vital role in supplying oxygen to your body, which is essential for its proper functioning. To maintain lung health, it is important to avoid smoking, as tobacco smoke significantly increases the risk of lung diseases like COPD and lung cancer. Additionally, exposure to polluted air can cause inflammation in the respiratory system, leading to conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.

Protecting your lungs from harmful pollutants and chronic respiratory conditions through good hygiene and vaccinations is crucial. Studies highlight that both smoking and inhaling polluted air can impair lung function. Unfortunately, poor lung health can arise from various factors, says Dr Mohit Saxena, Consultant and HOD, Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram. "Smoking, pollution, and chronic respiratory conditions can all hamper your lung health. Exposure to tobacco smoke significantly increases the risk of lung damage, while prolonged inhalation of polluted air can lead to chronic inflammation in the respiratory system. It is important to understand the early symptoms." he says.

Story continues below Advertisement

Also readUnderstanding lung cancer beyond smoking: It's not just about cigarettes anymore

Dr Saxena shares the early signs of lung cancer:

Persistent cough: A cough that lasts for over three weeks could be a warning sign for serious issue, even with medication or lifestyle changes. While often linked to respiratory infections or minor conditions, it can sometimes be an early sign of lung cancer. If your cough worsens, changes (e.G., becomes deeper or produces phlegm), or persists, consult a doctor immediately.

Blood in cough (Haemoptysis): This happens when a person coughs up blood or blood-streaked sputum, regardless of the amount. Haemoptysis can range from rust-colored mucus to visible blood streaks and may indicate lung damage caused by various conditions. Early detection through imaging and diagnostic tests, such as CT scans or bronchoscopy, is crucial for identifying the underlying cause and ensuring appropriate treatment.

Shortness of breath: Breathlessness during simple activities or exercises can be a sign of lung problems, including lung cancer. Tumors may narrow the airways or cause fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion), limiting their ability to expand. If you experience shortness of breath or notice it worsening, it is important to see a doctor promptly.

Also readCan lung cancer be prevented? Identify the risk factors and survival rates

Story continues below Advertisement

Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without changes to diet or exercise suggests the body is using stored energy to feed cancer cells. Cancer can affect metabolism, leading to rapid weight loss. This symptom is often associated with anorexia and asthenia and requires further medical investigation.

Chest pain: Lung cancer can cause persistent or sudden severe chest pain, which may worsen with deep breaths, coughing, or laughing. This pain often results from the tumor pressing on bones, muscles, nerves, or other structures in the chest cavity. If chest pain intensifies, becomes localized, or arises without a clear cause, it is important to seek medical attention.

Chronic respiratory diseases: Inability to clear lung secretions, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, or recurrent respiratory infections that don't heal or keep recurring may be  signs of obstructive lung cancer. Any chronic lung infection or one that doesn't respond to treatment should be reviewed for possible underlying malignancy.

Hoarseness or voice changes: Inability to maintain a clear voice, along with symptoms like nodules, hoarseness, changes in pitch, or difficulty speaking, may result from a tumor pressing on the vocal cords or the recurrent laryngeal nerve. While infections like laryngitis can cause voice changes, if these changes persist for more than two weeks without improvement, further diagnosis is necessary.

Fatigue: Chronic, unexplained tiredness is another early symptom of lung cancer. Cancer affects the body's energy metabolism and causes inflammation in tissues. This persistent fatigue, especially when accompanied by other concerning symptoms, suggests a thorough examination by a doctor.

Early diagnosis and treatment:

Early diagnosis of lung cancer improves the chances of successful treatment and a better outcome. "If caught early, lung cancer can be treated with surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to prevent more severe stages," says Dr Saxena, adding, "Advances in medicine have made treatments more effective and personalised. For advanced cases, chemotherapy and radiation are still useful, either alone or alongside other therapies. Palliative care is also important in severe cases, helping improve quality of life by addressing pain, breathlessness, and fatigue."

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don't treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.

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

Woman's Bad Chest Infection Turns Out To Be Much Worse After Hospital Trip

A woman who initially thought she was suffering from a chest infection discovered her illness was far more serious after a visit to A&E.

Alana Kent used TikTok to raise awareness about her symptoms, sharing a picture of herself in a hospital treatment room. "Had no idea how long this was going on before being diagnosed, thought I just had a bad chest infection," she wrote in a caption.

She revealed her actual diagnosis was leukaemia and listed the symptoms she initially believed would soon pass. These included: feeling weak and tired; breathlessness; nose bleeds; constant ulcers; frequent infections; and very heavy periods.

The TikTok user also mentioned she was "unable to shake infections" with her chest problem persisting for six weeks before she sought medical attention.

Her story resonated with one concerned TikTok user, who asked: "Can I ask what lead to you finally being diagnosed? These all seem like very regular symptoms for me. I hope you're doing okay."

Alana responded: "I was really struggling for breathe one night so went to A&E. My haemoglobin levels were dangerously low and through blood tests and bone marrow biopsy they found the leukaemia. Thank you."

Another person shared their diagnosis story, saying: "I was diagnosed 04/10/24 4:30am in A&E they say it's rare for young people under 65, I'm 23, we stand together."

A third individual recounted: "Every bone in my body hurt has infections and was tired very tired. Diagnosed with leukaemia on July 22. I'm free from that now but it was a hard slog. Unfortunately for me I have an unrelated lung cancer."

Meanwhile, a fourth commented: "10th February 2023 - a day I will never forget, 27 and my life changed forever. I'm two years into my three years of chemo but I'm in remission and finally getting my life back, hope you're okay too."

According to NHS guidelines, symptoms of the most common type of leukaemia - acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - typically worsen over time, starting subtly over a course of weeks. Potential symptoms are:

Looking pale or "washed out"

Feeling tired or weak

Breathlessness

Frequent infections

Unusual and frequent bruising or bleeding, such as bleeding gums or nosebleeds

Losing weight without trying to

The NHS advises: "Speak to a GP if you or your child have possible symptoms of AML. Although it's highly unlikely that leukaemia is the cause, these symptoms should be investigated.

"If your GP thinks you may have leukaemia, they'll arrange blood tests to check your blood cells. If the tests suggest there's a problem, you'll be urgently referred to a specialist in treating blood conditions (haematologist) for further tests and treatment."

Other forms of the cancer are: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL); Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL); and Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).

Little-known Lung Cancer Symptom You May Notice While Eating

Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of the disease, but there are often no signs or symptoms in its early stages. People tend to notice symptoms as the condition progresses.

More than 43,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year in the UK alone, according to the NHS. Generally with lung cancer in England, 45% of those people will survive for a year or more after diagnosis, while around 20% will survive for five years or more.

The main symptoms of lung cancer include a cough that does not go away after 3 weeks, a long-standing cough that gets worse, chest infections that keep coming back, coughing up blood, an ache or pain when breathing or coughing, persistent breathlessness, persistent tiredness or lack of energy, and/or a loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.

There are also some lesser-known symptoms, and one may be noticeable while a person is eating. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, or pain when swallowing can be a sign of lung cancer.

Other less common symptoms include changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as finger clubbing, wheezing, a hoarse voice, swelling of your face and neck, and persistent chest or shoulder pain.

NHS guidance states you should see a GP if you have any of the main symptoms of lung cancer or any of the less common symptoms. While they can be caused by many different things, it is important to get checked over by a medical professional.

---