Lung Cancer Symptoms, Causes & Complications

Lung cancer is a cancer that starts in the lungs and spreads throughout the body. Your lungs are two spongy organs in your chest that take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide when you breathe in and out.

Lung cancer is most common in smokers, but it can also strike people who have never smoked. The amount of time and number of cigarettes you smoke raises the risk of lung cancer.

Symptoms

In the early stages of lung cancer, there are usually no signs or symptoms. Lung cancer signs and symptoms usually appear when the disease has progressed.

The following are some of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer:

• New cough that will not go away.
• Coughing up blood, even if it is only a little bit
• Breathing problems
• Pain in the chest
• Hoarseness
• Weight loss without effort
• Bone ache
• Headache

Lung cancer types

On the basis of the appearance of lung cancer cells under the microscope, doctors divide lung cancer into two major categories. Your doctor will determine your treatment options based on the type of lung cancer you have.

Lung cancer can be divided into two types:

Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer with little cells. Small cell lung cancer is less prevalent than non-small cell lung cancer and occurs virtually exclusively in heavy smokers.

Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is a type of lung cancer that affects non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a catch-all name for a variety of lung malignancies. Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma are examples of non-small cell lung malignancies.

Causes Of Lung Cancer

The majority of lung cancers are caused by smoking, which affects both smokers and those who are exposed to secondhand smoke. Lung cancer can also strike persons who have never smoked and have never been exposed to secondhand smoke for an extended period of time. There may be no obvious cause of lung cancer in some cases. Lung cancer can be caused by a number of conditions, including:

• Smoking

The quantity of cigarettes you smoke per day and the numbers of years you have smoked raise your chance of lung cancer. Quitting smoking at any age reduces your chances of acquiring lung cancer greatly.

• Exposure to Secondhand smoke

Even if you do not smoke, being exposed to secondhand smoke raises your chance of lung cancer.

• Previous Radiation therapy

You may be at a higher risk of developing lung cancer if you have had chest radiation therapy for another type of cancer.

• Exposure to Radon Gas

Radon poisoning is caused by the inhalation of radon gas. The natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water produces radon, which eventually finds its way into the air you breathe.

• Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens

Workplace exposure to asbestos and other cancer-causing compounds, such as arsenic, chromium, and nickel, can raise your risk of lung cancer, especially if you smoke.

• Lung cancer in the family

Lung cancer is more likely among people who have a parent, sibling, or kid who has the disease.

Complications

Lung cancer can cause complications, such as:

• Shortness of breath

Can occur in people with lung cancer if the malignancy has progressed to the point where it has blocked the major airways.

• Coughing up blood.

Lung cancer can cause bleeding in the airway, resulting in blood in your cough (hemoptysis). Bleeding might become severe at times. Bleeding control treatments are available.

• Pain

Pain can be caused by advanced lung cancer that has progressed to the lining of the lung or to another part of the body, such as a bone.

• Fluid in the chest (pleural effusion)

Fluid can build up in the area surrounding the damaged lung in the chest cavity as a result of lung cancer (pleural space. Shortness of breath can be caused by fluid accumulating in the chest.

When Should You See A Doctor?

If you have any persistent signs or symptoms that concern you, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have been unable to quit smoking.

Where To Get A Lung Cancer Specialist In Singapore?

Lung cancer needs proper treatment for preventing the further growth of cancer in the body. A lung cancer screening Singapore can help you with this condition. One should consult with a doctor and ask about the complete procedure of lung cancer removal. In any scenario, a lung cancer specialist Singapore will have the tools and knowledge to examine your problem.

Jenny Clarke is a professional writer, blogger who writes for a variety of online publications. She loves writing blogs and promoting websites related to education, beauty, fashion, travel, health and technology sectors.