Early detection of lung cancer warning signs - or any other types of illnesses - is crucial in helping to find a cure for the disease. Indeed, the earlier one is able to find out about the disease, the better chances they have for combating the illness.
Lung cancer warning signs are similar to recognizing the symptoms of the disease. Hence, having enough knowledge of other conditions associated with this illness would be helpful.
Below is a list of lung cancer warning signs you should be keeping a close eye on:
• Persistent Coughing
• Presence of blood or mucus when coughing
• Loss of appetite resulting to weight loss
• Feeling of shortness of breath
• Pneumonia, bronchitis, or other respiratory-related illness
• Constant pain in the chest, back, or neck
• Uncharacteristic fever
You need to pay close attention to any changes in your body though, since most of the symptoms are not evident until they have reached the advanced stage.
Once you have determined these symptoms, there are essential steps and further information you need to know.
Spread of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is caused by the presence of cancer cells. These abnormal cells continue to divide on their own without following a particular order or pattern. Because of this nature in the cells, they have the potential to destroy the neighboring tissues of the body.
In fact, they can also develop into a malignant tumor which can invade your bloodstream and cripple the lymphatic system. The process known as metastasizing is responsible for the spread of cancer cells such that the initial cancer tumor can cause the growth of new tumors in various parts of the body.
In terms of determining the rate at which these cancer cells spread, it largely depends on the type of cells. But on average, tumor growth can happen in a span of a few months.
When To Consult A Doctor
As soon as you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it is best to meet with your doctor immediately.
This will allow them to make diagnosis or assess your condition. Furthermore, the earlier you act on any lung cancer warning signs or symptoms, the more capable you are at preventing it from getting worse.
Immediate consultation with your doctor will enable them to further investigate the reason for such symptoms to exclude other health conditions.
Below is a list of what is recognized as late-stage lung cancer symptoms. One needs to work together with their physician to avoid reaching this stage:
• Inexplainable feeling of fatigue
• Reduced appetite
• Aches in your joints,bones, or constant headaches
• Bone fractures that are not brought about by injury
• Swelling on your face or neck
• Abnormalities in your neurologic conditions
Tests for Lung Cancer
Once you have seen with your doctor, the following tests are conducted to diagnose you:
1) Chest x-ray: This is mostly done for patients with complaints on excessive coughing and shortness of breath.
2) CAT Scan: This method of scanning in such areas as chest, head, abdomen, or pelvis helps assess the size of a tumor or evaluate how farther it has spread.
3) Bronchoscopy: In this method, your physician creates a direct visualization of your airways after numbing medications or sedations are administered.
4) PET Scan: This tool is used for assessing the tumor, which also utilize a chemical known as radionuclide. As soon as your first lung cancer warning signs become evident, it is best to undergo this test to help prevent the rapid growth of tumors.
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