Lung cancer symptoms: Five 'surprising signs and symptoms' you should never ignore
LUNG cancer symptoms can be difficult to spot in its early stages, but might include a cough that won't go away, or shortness of breath. There are, however, five "surprising symptoms and signs" of lung cancer that you should be aware of.
Lung cancer: Signs and symptoms to look out for
Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. Some 50,000 people are diagnosed each year, with the main symptom being a cough that won't go away. However, medical experts have revealed there are another five signs to watch out for, which many patients may experience but think is not caused by the disease.
These includes:
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Balance problems
- SWollen face
- Weight loss
Express.co.uk explains how each of this can present in patients diagnosed with lung cancer.
Back pain
Back pain is normally cause by a very specific type of lung cancer, called a Pancoast tumour.
However, many others diagnosed with the condition experience back pain.
You'll likely feel an achy pain at the top of your back if this is being caused by lung cancer, rather than in your lower back.
Constipation
Lung cancer therapy may cause constipation. This means you may have fewer bowel movements than what is normal for you.
This can often lead to stomach pain or nausea, so many patients will avoid eating or drinking to relieve the symptoms.
Balance problems
Medical website WebMD. said: "Small-cell lung cancers may tell your immune system to attack your nervous system, which can in turn affect how your muscles work.
"It may be hard to stand up when you're sitting, or you might feel unsteady.
"You could be dizzy from anaemia or from a backup in your superior vena cava, the large vein that moves blood from your head to your heart, if it's crowded by a tumour in the upper right lung."
Swollen or puffy face
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation says: “Many people will think a swollen face is the sign of an allergic reaction.
“However, swelling of the face can be caused by a superior vena cava obstruction, which is usually by lung cancer.
“The superior vena cava is a large vein in the chest. It carries blood from the upper half of the body into the heart.
“A superior vena cava obstruction occurs when somethings stops the blood flowing. This is usually caused by lung cancer close to the vein."
Weight loss
Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of lung cancer.
Cancer Research UK says: "About 60 out of 100 people with lung cancer (60%) have a loss of appetite and significant weight loss at the time of their diagnosis.
"In people with upper gastrointestinal cancer, this number is 80 out of 100 people (80%)."