Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma is a rare form of non-small lung cell cancer which accounts for approximately 2 to 9 percent of lung cancer lesions, according to the University of Michigan Health System. This form of lung cancer is most frequently diagnosed in male patients between the ages of 60 and 70. People who develop bronchioloalveolar carcinoma symptoms require prompt medical care to ensure receipt of appropriate treatment.
Asymptomatic
Up to 50 percent of people with this form of lung adenocarcinoma do not develop symptoms, explain University of Michigan Health System medical professionals. This lack of symptoms can make it difficult for a doctor to diagnose bronchioloalveolar carcinoma in affected patients. Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking cigarettes, can increase a person's risk of developing bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.
Cough or Chest Pain
A persistent cough is one of the most common symptoms of lung cancer. People with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma can develop a dry, hacking cough or an unusual change to preexisting cough symptoms. Cancerous cell growth can irritate the lungs, which can cause affected people to cough up small amounts of mucus that contains blood, report health professionals with The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Persistent cough symptoms can contribute to dull, aching chest pain or discomfort in affected people.
Difficulty Breathing
A person's airways can become constricted due to cancer cell growth within the lungs. If this occurs, affected people can develop difficulty breathing as a symptom of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. Airway inflammation makes it harder for oxygen to reach the lungs. Consequently, affected people can experience shortness of breath, vocal hoarseness or wheezing as symptoms of this form of lung cancer, explain health professionals with the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. It can be troublesome for people with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma to participate in their usual physical activities, such as walking or jogging, due to these breathing difficulties. Severe breathing difficulties can cause additional medication complications and affected people should seek prompt medical care.
Flu-like Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms can arise in people who have bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. These symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, decreased appetite and weight loss, explains The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Affected people may appear less energetic than usual, or may need to take frequent naps during the day. Flu-like symptoms can become worse over time if bronchioloalveolar carcinoma treatment is not received.
References
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center: Lung Cancer - Signs and Symptoms
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Lung Cancer
- University of Michigan Health System: Bronchioloalveolar Cell Carcinoma
- UpToDate: Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma
- "Clinical Lung Cancer"; Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma: A Review; DJ Raz, et al.; March 2006
