Lung cancer symptoms you should be aware of

Why is it important to know about lung cancer symptoms? Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancer because it tends to spread to body organs at an early stage. For this reason, being aware of common lung cancer symptoms is essential - early detection significantly improves chances of survival.

Lung cancer originates from abnormalities in the basic unit of the body - the cell. In the normal state, cells divide and reproduce according to need. This is brought about by a system of checks and balances built into the organism.

Sometimes, however, this orderly system is disrupted and cells divide and proliferate in an uncontrolled manner. They form an abnormal mass referred to as a tumor. Although not all tumors are malignant, those that give rise to lung cancer symptoms are.

Tumors that are benign usually do not pose a threat and can be removed without spreading to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors, like those of lung cancer, multiply and spread aggressively. They tend to move to other - often distant - parts of the body, in a process called metastasis.

Lung cancer, in particular, tends to metastasize or spread at an early stage. This makes it difficult to treat and it is one of the most life-threatening cancers around. The malignancy can spread to practically any part of the body. However, certain organs are more prone to being affected - they include the liver, adrenal glands, bone and the brain.

This tendency to metastasize rapidly makes it imperative that lung cancer be detected as early as possible. Hence it is critical to be aware of common lung cancer symptoms.

Here is some of what you must watch out for. Remember, this is not a comprehensive list and is only indicative of the many lung cancer symptoms found in a wide cross section of patients.

• Swelling in the facial and neck region
• A persistent chough that does not respond to treatment
• Blood in sputum / spit with a brownish tinge
• Pain in the chest region
• Sudden, significant drop in weight that isn't the result of dieting or exercise
• Shortness of breath
• Inexplicable fatigue
• Recurring bouts of pneumonia, bronchitis and other such infections
• Change in voice quality / hoarseness that persists
• Fever that occurs for no apparent cause
• Loss of appetite