5 early signs of lung cancer you need to know

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by doctors working at Oncology Center, Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Early signs of lung cancer are rare, and there are no screening tests that detect the disease in its early stages. Therefore, most patients are diagnosed when the cancer has advanced and metastasized in the body. Therefore, people at high risk for lung cancer (current and former smokers) are encouraged to have a low-dose CT lung scan to screen for cancer.

Advanced lung cancer often causes noticeable symptoms such as back and head pain, weight loss, and fatigue. Bone pain is also common, because this is where lung cancer tends to spread first.
Although most people diagnosed with lung cancer have no obvious symptoms in the early stages before metastasis, some people may still notice it. However, keep in mind that these symptoms may be related to other conditions than just lung cancer. Here are 5 early signs of lung cancer you need to know for early examination and timely treatment.

Ung thư phổi gây ra nhiều triệu chứng khác nhau
Ung thư phổi gây ra nhiều triệu chứng khác nhau

1. New, chronic cough


This is the earliest possible sign of lung cancer. "Sometimes, in the periphery of the lung, a tumor can grow to a relatively large size before being diagnosed because it doesn't cause many symptoms," said Dr. However, if a tumor presses on one of the bronchi, the main airways that go to the lungs, it activates cough receptors. "It can trigger a cough even when the tumor is relatively small, if inserted in the right place," explains Dr. McKee.
However, coughing is a very nonspecific symptom. When you cough, cancer does not. should be the first thing that comes to mind. Both the common cold and the flu can last for a few weeks. Despite having sensitive lungs, it's not normal for a cough to linger even after a runny nose and symptoms. else go away You don't need to worry about lung cancer in that situation if it is related to viral disease
If you have a cough that lasts for 2-3 weeks without any virus related illness or bacteria it's a sign that you should see a doctor.

Trắc nghiệm: Hiểu về phổi của bạn

Phổi là một tạng lớn rất quan trọng và không thể thiếu trong cơ thể. Việc giữ cho lá phổi của bạn luôn khỏe mạnh, tránh khỏi những bệnh phổ biến về phổi là điều bạn cần lưu ý để giúp cơ thể bạn có thể vận hành tốt. Hãy cùng chúng tôi trả lời nhanh những câu hỏi trắc nghiệm sau sẽ giúp bạn hiểu về phổi của bạn hơn.

Bài dịch từ: webmd.com

The following content is prepared under supervision of Thạc sĩ, Bác sĩ y khoa, Nguyễn Huy Nhật , Nội Hô hấp , Khoa Khám bệnh & Nội khoa - Bệnh viện Đa khoa Quốc tế Vinmec Đà Nẵng

Nguyễn Huy Nhật
Nguyễn Huy Nhật
Thạc sĩ, Bác sĩ y khoa,
Nội Hô hấp
Khoa Khám bệnh & Nội khoa - Bệnh viện Đa khoa Quốc tế Vinmec Đà Nẵng

2. Shortness of breath is an early warning sign of lung cancer


Feeling short of breath is an early sign of lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Although dyspnea often presents in later stages of the disease, it is also often present when a tumor obstructs the airway. So, when you have any unexplained shortness of breath, you should see your doctor.

Dấu hiệu khó thở là một triệu chứng tiềm năng khác của ung thư phổi, thường xuất hiện ở các giai đoạn sau của bệnh.
Dấu hiệu khó thở là một triệu chứng tiềm năng khác của ung thư phổi, thường xuất hiện ở các giai đoạn sau của bệnh.

3. Coughing up blood - Signs of lung cancer

Some patients will cough up blood if the tumor is close to the bronchi. If you are coughing up blood or small amounts of red-brown sputum with no explanation, see your doctor as soon as possible. If you experience additional dizziness or trouble breathing, see your doctor right away.

4. Metastatic lung cancer causes chest pain


If lung cancer has spread to the chest wall or caused swelling of the lymph nodes in this area, it can cause pain in the chest, back, and shoulders. Chest pain from lung cancer is worse when coughing, laughing, or breathing deeply.
Since chest pain can be a sign of some serious illness, tell your doctor if there is any unexplained discomfort in this area. Any persistent or severe chest pain should be checked. If you experience other characteristic symptoms such as chest pressure, sweating, nausea, dizziness or difficulty breathing, see your doctor as soon as possible.

5. Hoarseness or wheezing


Lung cancer-related breathing problems don't just come in the form of shortness of breath. It may appear as hoarseness or wheezing. If you notice any persistent changes in your breathing then you should see your doctor.
Recognizing these small symptoms can help you detect lung cancer in its early stages, which is important in treatment.

MORE: Lung cancer treatment options

According to Dr. McKee, there is a big difference in survival rates between early detection and late detection when it comes to lung cancer. In fact, the 5-year survival rate for people diagnosed with end-stage lung cancer is less than 10%, but when lung cancer is found in its earliest stages, it is more likely that the patient will die. successfully treated.
When there are suspected signs of lung cancer, you can go to Vinmec International General Hospital for examination and treatment. Vinmec provides a full range of necessary medical care services for cancer patients including: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical treatment, medical treatment, stem cell transplant,...; at the same time, helping to control pain by physiotherapy, peripheral nerve block, sympathetic block,...
Vinmec gathers a team of well-trained specialists in Oncology - radiation therapy. , rich in expertise and experience; system of modern equipment, meeting international standards; Professional service quality, high efficiency in diagnosis and treatment.

Bệnh viện Đa khoa Quốc tế Vinmec quy tụ đội ngũ bác sĩ giàu chuyên môn và kinh nghiệm trong lĩnh vực Ung bướu - xạ trị
Bệnh viện Đa khoa Quốc tế Vinmec quy tụ đội ngũ bác sĩ giàu chuyên môn và kinh nghiệm trong lĩnh vực Ung bướu - xạ trị
>> See also: Ingredients and uses of functional foods Fucoidan - Article by Pharmacist Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa - Pharmacist Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital
For detailed advice on lung cancer as well as the medical examination and treatment process at Vinmec, please come directly to Vinmec health system or register online HERE.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

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