Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, and unfortunately, it’s often diagnosed at a late stage when treatment options are limited. However, catching the disease early can improve your chances of successful treatment and recovery.

One way to do this is to understand the early symptoms of lung cancer, including the two signs in your eyes.

1. Yellowing of the Eyes

One of the earliest signs of lung cancer can be observed in the eyes. If you notice the whites of your eyes turning yellow, it could be a sign of jaundice.

Jaundice is a condition that occurs when your liver is unable to process a substance called bilirubin. Instead of being passed out of the body through stool, excess bilirubin accumulates in your bloodstream, leading to a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Jaundice can be a sign of many different conditions, from liver disease to hepatitis, but it can also be an early symptom of lung cancer.

When cancerous cells grow in the lungs, they can sometimes spread to the liver, causing it to malfunction and leading to jaundice.

If you notice yellowing in your eyes, it’s important to see a medical professional right away. They can run tests to determine the cause of the jaundice and develop a treatment plan if necessary.

2. Vision Changes

Lung cancer can also affect your vision, particularly in the form of a condition called Horner syndrome. Horner syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when there is damage to certain nerves that run from the spinal cord to the face.

This can cause a drooping of the eyelid, a constricted pupil, and a decrease in sweating on one side of the face.

Horner syndrome is often caused by a tumor in the lung, which can press on the nerves and cause damage. However, it can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as a spinal cord injury or stroke.

If you notice any changes in your vision, such as a drooping eyelid or changes in pupil size, it’s important to see a medical professional. They can perform tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan if necessary.

Other Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer

While the two signs in your eyes are important to be aware of, they are not the only symptoms of lung cancer. Other signs and symptoms include:.

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Coughing up blood
Hoarseness or other changes in voice
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Recurrent lung infections

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a medical professional right away. They can perform tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan if necessary.

Risk Factors for Lung Cancer

While anyone can develop lung cancer, there are certain risk factors that can increase your chances of developing the disease. These include:.

Smoking cigarettes or exposure to secondhand smoke
Exposure to radon gas
Exposure to asbestos
A family history of lung cancer
Exposure to air pollution

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to stay aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and to see a medical professional promptly if you notice anything unusual.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis is crucial in the treatment of lung cancer, and the two signs in your eyes can be early indicators of the disease. If you notice yellowing of the eyes or changes in vision, it’s important to see a medical professional right away.

Additionally, if you have any of the other symptoms of lung cancer or risk factors for the disease, it’s important to stay aware and seek medical attention promptly if you notice anything unusual.