In 2009, over 200,000 people were diagnosed with lung cancer--a type of cancer that affects the delicate tissues of the lungs and airway passages, explains the National Cancer Institute (NCI). People who smoke are at the highest risk of developing this form of cancer. If the early symptoms of lung cancer are detected quickly, affected patients have a high rate of recovery. Patients who develop any of the early symptoms of lung cancer should contact a doctor immediately for further evaluation and care.
Cough
When cancerous cells begin to grow within the airway passages, they can cause inflammation and irritation. As a result, patients can experience a persistent cough as an early symptom of lung cancer. Certain patients may develop a dry, hacking cough, while other lung cancer patients may develop chest congestion or expel mucous during coughing episodes. These cough symptoms of early lung cancer typically persist for several weeks or months and progressively become worse as the cancer continues to grow.
Breathing Difficulties
Patients with lung cancer can experience breathing difficulties as an early symptom of this disease. Breathing difficulties can occur due to cancerous cell growth along the airways, which can interfere with the normal flow of air into the body. Shortness of breath or wheezing may become worse when patients attempt to participate in physical activities, such as jogging. If left untreated, these early symptoms of lung cancer will progressively become worse and can lead to severe lung complications.
Upper Body Pain
Cancerous cells can affect the nerves that run along the top of the lungs, explains Up To Date, an online medical resource for patients. As a result, patients with lung cancer can develop sensations of pain or discomfort within the chest, shoulders, neck or arms. Upper body pain can be mild to moderate in severity and may occur sporadically over time. Patients who develop upper body pain should seek immediate medical care as these symptoms of lung cancer can also be indicative of alternate medical problems, such as heart attack.
Recurrent Lung Infections
Recurrent lung infections can develop as an early symptom of lung cancer, explain health officials at the NCI. Cancerous cell growth within the lungs damages these tissues, making them more susceptible to infection. Patients with lung cancer may experience frequent lung infections that can include bronchitis or pneumonia, which can lead to symptoms of cough, chest pain or flu-like symptoms such as fever or fatigue. Lung infections may require treatment with medication to help resolve symptoms. Patients who develop recurrent lung infections should be evaluated by a doctor for lung cancer.
