Lung cancer: Dr Amir describes the symptoms
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In some rare cases signs can show up in your eyelids. At the moment there is no national screening programme for lung cancer in the UK, so it is very important to be aware of any signs that crop up. Cancer Research UK says finding lung cancer early can mean that it’s easier to treat, so if you notice any changes get them checked out by your GP as soon as possible.
Cancer Research explains a very rare type of lung cancer growing right at the top of the lung is called a pancoast tumour.
It says these tumours cause very specific symptoms, with the most common symptom being severe shoulder pain, or pain that travels down the arm.
The charity also states pancoast tumours can also cause a collection of symptoms called Horner’s syndrome, which include some signs around your eyes.
For example, a drooping or weakness of one eyelid. Other signs include a small pupil in the same eye and loss of sweating on one side of the face.
“The symptoms of Horner’s syndrome are caused by the tumour pressing on or damaging a nerve that runs up from the neck to that side of the face,” says the charity.
The NHS says there are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages, though symptoms of lung cancer develop as the condition progresses.
The health body has outlined some less common symptoms of lung cancer, which some people may not be aware of.
These actually include changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger. This is known as finger clubbing. Some people may also notice swelling of their face or neck, or persistent chest or shoulder pain.
Cancer Research explains the most common symptoms of lung cancer are having a cough most of the time, having a change in a cough you have had for a long time, and chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn’t get better.
The charity adds that losing your appetite, feeling tired all the time, and losing weight are all signs.
It said: “A cough is also a symptom of coronavirus. It is still important to contact your GP if you have a new or worsening cough.
“They can speak to you over the phone or by a video call and arrange for tests if you need them.”
Cancer Research UK says finding lung cancer early can mean that it’s easier to treat, so if you notice any changes get them checked out by your GP as soon as possible.
The CDC says another symptom of lung cancer is “feeling very tired all the time”.
- Other symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Weight loss with no known cause.
The organisation adds: “These symptoms can happen with other illnesses, too. If you have some of these symptoms, talk to your doctor, who can help find the cause.”
There are some factors that can increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Smoking tobacco is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK. Cancer Research says seven out of 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking.
The NHS states if you smoke more than 25 cigarettes a day, you are 25 times more likely to get lung cancer than a non-smoker.
If you do not smoke, frequent exposure to other people’s smoking can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
Your risk of lung cancer is higher if you have a close relative (such as a parent or sibling) who has had lung cancer.
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