Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Lung Cancer signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

People often decide to visit the doctor only after they have been bothered by certain complaints over a period of time. Individuals who have lung cancer frequently experience symptoms such as the following:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Chest pain
  • Hemoptysis (bloody, coughed-up sputum)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs)

Other symptoms that are associated with lung cancer include:

  • Weakness
  • Chills
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Speech difficulties or changes (e.g., hoarseness)
  • Finger/nail abnormalities (e.g., "clubbing," or overgrowth of the fingertip tissue)
  • Skin paleness or bluish discoloration
  • Muscle contractions or atrophy (shrinkage)
  • Joint pain or swelling
  • Facial swelling or paralysis
  • Eyelid drooping
  • Bone pain/tenderness
  • Breast development in men

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