Lung cancer accounts for approximately 15 percent of all cancers in the U.S., according to meds.com. Because it can spread throughout the body during its early stages, it is important to educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of stage one lung cancer. Early detection is key to improving your survival rates. Many of the symptoms associated with early stage lung cancer are similar to those of other conditions, but if you are experiencing more than one sign, get checked out by a doctor.
Chronic Lung Infections
Recurring pneumonia or bronchitis that keeps returning (despite treatment) can be signs that an underlying infection or cancer is at work. A doctor will use x-rays to evaluate this possibility.
Coughing
A cough that is persistent and won't go away, or that changes in its sound to mimic that of a "smoker's cough," can develop when a tumor grows to the point where air passages are beginning to get blocked, according to meds.com. Unfortunately, many people do not notice this symptom right away and delay treatment by confusing it with a common cold or even bronchitis, according to the Cleveland Clinic website.
Blood in Sputum
When a cough turns up even the slightest amount of blood in the sputum (the spit that travels through the throat and lungs and comes out the mouth), you should be checked by a doctor. According to the OncologyChannel website, bloody sputum is a symptom of certain types of lung cancer. When you see a doctor for bloody sputum, he will likely take a sample and send it to the lab for testing.
Voice Changes
Many people will notice that their voice takes on a hoarse quality, which is one of the signs of early stage lung cancer. According to the website medicineworld.org, this is more common with tumors on the left side of the body because they can place pressure on the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a nerve located on the left side of the body that travels from the chest to the vocal cord.
