Most lung cancer cases go undetected until it’s too late. As a result, this form is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S, claiming as many as one-fourth of all cancer deaths. For this reason, it’s essential to be aware of lung cancer symptoms, both the common ones and the ones people typically overlook.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer?
Knowing tell-tale signs of lung cancer is crucial in receiving an earlier diagnosis that can significantly improve your chances of fighting this frightening disease.
The most common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- A long-standing cough that worsens over time
- Coughing up blood
- Labored breathing
- Recurring chest infections
- Shortness of breath
Less commonly, a patient can also experience:
- Changes in the appearance of their fingers
- Wheezing
- Hoarse voice
- Shoulder and chest pain
What Are the Lung Cancer Symptom That People Typically Ignore?
While people typically take the common lung cancer symptoms seriously, they are more likely to ignore the less-obvious symptoms of the disease. These symptoms include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent weakness and lack of energy
- Fever
- Sweating
Since these symptoms can be caused by various underlying conditions, people rarely associate them with lung cancer. As a result, they are the least likely to lead to a diagnosis.
See Your Doctor
Correctly identifying symptoms of lung cancer is what stands between you and a prompt diagnosis. Even well-known lung cancer symptoms sometimes go ignored, let alone the signs that most patients associate with other health issues. So, if you notice anything out of the ordinary with your health, it’s best to see your doctor. Don’t dismiss these symptoms and miss an opportunity for an early diagnosis.
