Symptoms of lung cancer are many and vary according to what type of cancer you have. Some of the most common are chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing, and a loss of appetite. Some people also experience recurrent respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. Other symptoms include shoulder pain and malignant mesothelioma.
Recurrent respiratory infections
Among adults, recurrent respiratory infections are common. They can cause long term damage and complications. They can be caused by several different factors. They may be the result of a medical condition or they may be a result of exposure to an infection or a tumor.
Infections can occur in both the upper and lower respiratory tract. They can be viral or bacterial. They can involve the nose, the throat, or the bronchial tree. There are many types of these infections, so it’s important to have a physical examination to identify them.
Some people may have an underlying condition, such as primary immunodeficiency, which can be the source of infections. Others may have increased exposure to environmental factors, such as secondhand smoke. If you are experiencing repeated respiratory infections, talk to your healthcare provider to see if there is an underlying medical condition.
Shoulder pain
Symptoms of lung cancer can be vague and difficult to determine. But recognizing early signs can improve your life expectancy. Some doctors recommend regular imaging tests to get a complete picture of your lungs.
Lung cancer can affect both men and women. It is the sixth leading cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S., and is more common among younger people who have never smoked.
Shoulder pain is one of the early signs of lung cancer. Lung tumors can press on a nerve near the lungs, and this can cause pain. In addition, lung cancer may spread to bones in or around the shoulder. The pain from this type of tumor is usually worse when resting.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, you should visit your doctor. He or she can examine you and ask you about your family medical history. You can also have a chest CT scan. The results will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
Chest pain
Symptoms of stage 1 lung cancer include shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. It is important to detect lung cancer early so that treatment can be tailored to your needs.
There are a variety of tests that can be used to detect lung cancer. These include X ray, CT scan, PET-CT scan, and biopsy. If your doctor finds that you have cancer, you may need surgery to remove part of your lung. You may also need to undergo chemotherapy. These treatments will help to control bleeding and lower the chances that the cancer will return.
If you have been exposed to a lot of chemicals, you may be at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Those who are affected by this condition often experience mental health problems.
Pneumonia
Symptoms of pneumonia are often overlooked in patients with stage 1 lung cancer. They may include recurrent respiratory infections, coughing up blood, and frequent bouts of a cough.
A physical exam may identify an unresolved pneumonia or pleural effusion. Chest X rays can also show an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs.
The incidence of pulmonary infections is relatively high among lung cancer patients. Studies have shown that these infections can be life-threatening. They can be caused by the tumor itself, antineoplastic therapy, bronchial obstruction, or other supportive care measures.
Infective complications frequently complicate the course of cancer treatment. It’s important to know the risk factors. As with any type of illness, recognizing these risks can guide the clinician in choosing an antimicrobial therapy.
Some studies have studied the prevalence of pneumonia in lung cancer patients. Others have compared the rates of infection in deceased and living patients.
Malignant mesothelioma
Among all stages of mesothelioma, stage 1 is the most treatable. Patients with this stage have a high survival rate, and they are generally better able to manage their symptoms.
In addition to having a higher prognosis, patients also have a better chance of getting life-extending treatment. There are many treatment options for stage 1 mesothelioma, and most of these treatments can extend the patient’s life by several years. Often, these treatments are combined with chemotherapy.
In stage one mesothelioma, the tumors are usually small and have not spread outside the linings of the lungs. The tumors are typically hard to see on imaging tests.
In later stages, the disease may spread throughout the body. These tumors can invade the peritoneum, testis, lining of the heart, and the diaphragm. They can also invade the mediastinum and the chest wall. The extent of the metastases will determine the type of treatment the patient will receive.
