Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that November is recognized as Lung Cancer Awareness Month? Unfortunately, lung cancer typically shows no symptoms until it has spread–or, metastasized. When lung cancer symptoms occur, they will vary depending upon the type of lung cancer as well as the location and size of the tumor. Because several lung cancer symptoms are similar to those of other common illnesses, individuals may overlook the signs they have and delay in getting medical help.
Some of the most common lung cancer symptoms include:
- Frequent coughing
- Blood in sputum
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Pain in the chest
- General fatigue
- Pneumonia
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Making high pitched sounds, usually while taking a breath, wheezing
- Excess fluid in the lining of the lungs
- Excess fluid in the lining of the heart
- Frequent headaches
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Overall weakness
- Mental confusion
- Visual disturbances
- Bone pain
- Stomach pain along the right side
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Clubbing of fingers
- Excessive calcium in the blood
- Low iron, or anemia
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away.
Treatment will vary depending upon the stage of illness, and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these. Self-care, such as smoking cessation, will also be recommended.
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