Lung cancer does not play favorites. It finds its victims among men and women, smokers and non-smokers, young and old. It also wreaks havoc on more than just the lungs. Lung cancer---especially when it has metastasized---affects a myriad of body parts.
Unfortunately lung cancer is rarely identified in its preliminary---or early---stages. In fact, nearly one quarter of its victims show no physical symptoms at the time they are diagnosed. In many cases lung cancer is discovered "accidentally" when a physician orders a chest X-ray or CT (computed tomography) scan for another health issue. In those instances, the lung cancer emerges as a small tumor---or a "coin lesion"---due to the circular tumor's resemblance to a coin.
As the cancerous cells grow within the lungs, the disease begins to invade the lung tissue and any nearby tissue. When the tumor pushes against the chest you may develop symptoms that include: a new or persistent cough; blunt, aching and constant pain in the chest (similar to that of a heart attack); shortness of breath or panting; scratchy voice or recurring bouts of respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Chest pain is symptomatic of lung cancer in nearly 25 percent of all sufferers.
Lung cancer also may yield a blood-producing cough or haemoptysis. Often such a cough is an early indicator of cancer and may surface in time to be treated successfully. Contact a physician immediately at the first sign of blood, particularly if you are a smoker and over age 40.
In cases of metastasized lung cancer different parts of the body are affected in different ways. Cancer that has infiltrated the liver or adrenal glands generally has no outward symptoms at the time of diagnosis. When the brain is affected, it may cause vision problems, seizures or you may lose strength on one side of your body. Metastatic lung cancer in the bones usually produces discomfort in the vertebrae (backbone), ribs or thighs. Lung cancer that has attacked the nerves may cause sufferers to have pain in their deltoids (shoulder) that radiates along the outer arm. The vocal cords also can become paralyzed as well. Difficulty swallowing may result from the cancer making its way into the esophagus. If a large airway becomes obstructed, a portion of the lung can become susceptible to collapse and an infection may ensue.
Other common affects of lung cancer on the body may not be readily visible but rather surfacing only when the disease has progressed to its advanced stages. These "symptoms" may include diminished appetite or rapid weight loss, sluggishness, headaches, impaired memory, bleeding or clotting.
