Lung Cancer: Recognise Dangerous Signs!

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a very serious form of cancer. It can have an immediate impact on someone's health and increase the risk of death. This cancer typically develops in lung tissue and can spread to other organs in the body. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death among both men and women in Malaysia.

9 Signs of Lung Cancer

Recognise the signs of lung cancer and seek treatment if you experience them. The following are some common signs of lung cancer:

      1.  Coughing Up Blood

This is one of the most common signs of lung cancer. When you cough up blood without knowing why, you should see a doctor right away.

      2.  Weight Loss

If you lose weight for no apparent reason, it could be an early sign of lung cancer. Cancer cells consume your body's nutrients, causing sudden weight changes.

      3.  Chest Pain 

Chest pain that occurs when coughing or laughing can also be an early sign of lung cancer. It could be caused by tumour pressure on the airway or chest wall.

      4.  Shortness of Breath

Lung cancer can cause shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. This may be caused by growing tumours that block the airways.

      5.  Fatigue And Weakness

If you feel tired and weak for no apparent reason, this could be an early sign of lung cancer. This is caused by hormonal imbalances, while fatigue may be caused by cancer cells that absorb your body’s nutrients.

      6.  Wheezing

Wheezing is the sound you make when you breathe. It may be an early sign of lung cancer caused by blockages in the respiratory tract.

      7.  Recurring Pneumonia Infections

Recurrent pneumonia infections can also be an early sign of lung cancer. This is because lung cancer can weaken the body's immune system.

      8.  Hoarseness

Hoarseness or difficulty speaking can also be an early sign of lung cancer. It could be caused by tumour pressure on the laryngeal nerve or vocal cords.

      9.  Loss of Appetite

Lung cancer can cause a loss or decrease in appetite. This is due to hormonal imbalances and fatigue caused by cancer cells.

Rare Signs of Lung Cancer

      1.  Heart Attack

Lung cancer can cause blood clots, which can block blood vessels leading to the heart. In lung cancer patients, this can result in a heart attack.

      2.  Vision Problems

Lung cancer that has spread to the brain can cause vision problems. This is caused by cancer pressure on the optic nerves in the brain.

      3.  Digestive Problems

Some people may experience digestive issues that indicate lung cancer, such as feeling full after a small meal or having blood in their stool.

      4.  Swollen Fingers

Another indicator is the swelling of one or more fingers on a single hand, which may serve as an early warning sign for specific types of lung cancer.

      5.  Arm or shoulder pain

Some people may experience arm or shoulder pain that is not caused by physical activity. This could also be an early sign of lung cancer.

Spread of Lung Cancer to Other Organs

When lung cancer spreads to other organs in the body, it can have more serious and life-threatening outcomes. There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate that your lung cancer has spread to other organs, including:

1.  Nervous system changes

When lung cancer spreads to the brain, it can affect the nervous system, causing headaches, blurred vision, weakness on one side of the body and seizures.

2.  Bone pain

Lung cancer that has spread to the bones can cause bone pain and weakness, particularly in the back, waist or ribs. This can sometimes cause bones to break or become deformed.

3.  Yellowing of the eyes and skin

When lung cancer spreads to the liver, the skin and eyes can turn yellow. This is caused by an increase in blood bilirubin levels.

4.  Swollen neck

Swelling in the neck area can be caused by lung cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.

Signs of Cancer in Men vs Women

Lung cancer is more common in men than women in Malaysia. Here is a comparison of lung cancer signs and symptoms in men and women:

​

These signs and symptoms are only estimates and may not always be gender specific.

Although men are more likely to develop lung cancer, women are also at risk. As a result, it is critical for everyone to recognise the signs and symptoms of lung cancer so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.

Get Checked Today!

Early detection and treatment can help save lives. As a result, it is critical to understand the various methods for diagnosing this serious disease. Here are some diagnostic tests for lung cancer:

• Medical Imaging

One of the most common ways to diagnose lung cancer is through medical imaging or radiology tests such as:

1. Computerised Tomography (CT) Scan
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
3. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

These tests generate images of the inside of the body, which can assist doctors in identifying any changes in the lungs such as tumours or other problems. CT scans, for example, are extremely useful in detecting early-stage lung cancer.

• Sputum Cytology and Bronchoscopy

In addition to imaging tests, bronchoscopy and sputum cytology are two other methods used to diagnose lung cancer. 

Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a thin tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth into the lungs. This allows the doctor to carefully examine your respiratory tract and look for cancerous changes in suspicious areas.

Sputum cytology is the examination of a sample of phlegm under a microscope to identify any abnormal cells that may be indicative of cancer.

• Biopsy

A biopsy is also used to diagnose lung cancer. Biopsy is a procedure that involves removing tissue samples from the lungs or other areas and testing them for cancer cells.

Biopsies can be very useful in determining the type of tumour that is present and how aggressive the tumour is.

Take Early Action

Don't ignore your lung health. Avoid smoking areas and dusty environments, and clean your home on a regular basis. If you have a family history of lung cancer, get regular screenings and talk to your doctor about your risk and ways to prevent cancer. Remember that good lung health is essential to living a healthy and happy life.

​