Lung cancer is a disease in which cancer forms in the cells that line the air passages of the lungs. According to the Mayo Clinic, lung cancer is the No. 1 killer among all types of cancers, and more than 90 percent of the cases are caused by smoking. Small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer are the two main types of lung cancer. They are identified by their characteristics under a microscope. The symptoms of these types of lung cancer can vary from person to person. In most cases, symptoms are not noticeable in the early stages of lung cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Coughing
Coughing can provide doctors with potential warning signs or become a definitive symptom of lung cancer. For current and former smokers, new coughing raises a red flag. It potentially signals an adverse effect from smoking. A persistent cough that worsens over time is a clear signal to seek medical evaluation. Eventually, coughing up blood becomes a side effect, a symptom of lung cancer due to the damage caused by the cancer cells.
Breathing Difficulties
Wheezing or shortness of breath can signal that there's some sort of blockage in the air flow from the lungs. Fluid buildup in or around the lungs and the spreading of tumors into or throughout the lungs are common examples of blockages.
Respiratory Infections
Frequent respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis can be common side effects of lung cancer. According to the American Lung Association, pneumonia is a serious lung infection or inflammation that consists of a pus or fluid buildup in the lungs. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes that lead into the lungs.
Other Side Effects
According to eMedicineHealth.com, about 25 percent of people suffering from lung cancer experience dull, aching, persistent chest pains. In addition to chest pains, other side effects of cancer are weight loss, loss of appetite, increased weakness and increased fatigue.
Treatment Side Effects
When treating the cancer, different methods of treatment also cause side effects. Surgeries to remove the cancer can lead to infections and internal bleeding. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can kill healthy cells in an attempt to kill the cancer cells. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can cause the following side effects: weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, hair loss, infertility and anemia.
