The signs, symptoms and prognosis of lung cancer

planetcaravan | Feb 15, 2010 |

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Lung cancer does not show any signs and symptoms in its initial stage. The early symptoms usually resemble other chronic respiratory diseases and it is very difficult to diagnose the cancer in this stage. Some people do not even show any symptoms in the initial stage. The disease typically becomes more evident in the later stage of the cancer where in the cancer has advanced to other organs as well.

As the signs and symptoms of lung cancer are not evident in the early stage, physicians typically check the cancer based on the familial tendency, habits such as smoking and any other occupational hazards such asbestos fibers and radon gas, which may also lead to the development of other diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. These help the physician to rule out cancer in patients with chronic respiratory illness. For instance, a patient with history of smoking has the probability of getting cancer more than a patient that does not smoke.

The first symptom of lung cancer is a change in the typical smoker's cough. The nerve endings present in the air passage try to eliminate irritating particles resulting in chronic cough. Lung cancer signs and symptom also include bloody cough. The blood comes from the cancer mass and coughing blood is an alarming sign. Hence, when coughing up blood is detected, one should immediately consult a doctor.

Wheezing is another common symptom seen in a lung cancer patient. As the airways become narrower, respiration becomes more difficult. This results in wheezing. This can be so loud that the wheezing can be audible to the person sitting next to the patient. Other symptoms include hoarseness of the voice, chest pain and shortness of breath and repeated respiratory infections.

The above said signs and symptoms are very critical. If anyone experiences any of these symptoms, it is necessary to visit a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection improves the prognosis of the lung cancer. However, the outcome of the treatment depends on the cancer location, type of the cancer, stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. Typically, the five-year survival rate prognosis of lung cancer is found to be 16%.