Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It can be challenging to identify the early stages of the disease since the symptoms are often vague and similar to other respiratory-related issues.

While coughing up blood and persistent cough are relatively well-known indicators of lung cancer, it’s vital to recognize other signs as well to catch lung cancer in time.

Hack Your Annoying Cough

If you’re experiencing coughing that hasn’t gone away for weeks or more, it could be more than just a cold or flu. An enduring cough that produces blood is an uncommon sign of lung cancer.

The reason behind this symptom is that tumors in the lungs can irritate and rupture the blood vessels. A hacking cough that sounds more like a bark is another unusual sign, which can result from a growth pressing on the airways.

Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue

Sudden, unexplained weight loss can be a sign of cancer, including lung cancer. Losing ten pounds or more without any alterations in your lifestyle can indicate a medical concern that needs medical attention.

If you’re also experiencing constant fatigue, you should speak with a healthcare professional. Both fatigue and weight loss can occur when cancer cells use the body’s energy resources and result in an overworked immune system.

Recurring Wheezing and Shortness of Breath

Wheezing and shortness of breath are typical symptoms of asthma; however, they can also indicate lung cancer – primarily if you’re a smoker.

A persistent wheezing could be a sign that there’s a growth in the airways obstructing airflow. Likewise, shortness of breath, particularly during regular activities or while resting, can potentially indicate that cancer has spread to the lungs.

Hoarse Voice and Swollen Fingers

Cancer-related changes in the lungs can affect the vocal cords and alter a person’s voice. If your voice becomes persistently hoarse or scratchy, you should seek medical attention.

Additionally, lung cancer, particularly small-cell lung cancer, produces hormones that increase fluid retention, which can cause swelling in the arms and face – giving a swollen appearance to the fingers.

Pain in the Chest and Shoulder

Everyone experiences muscle strains, aches, and pains frequently – especially in the neck, back, and shoulder areas. However, pain that’s more intense or consistent and lasts for weeks could indicate a problem.

If the pain is felt deep inside your chest, it could be a warning sign that the cancer has spread to bones or other tissues neighboring the lungs. Pain in the shoulders can also happen when cancer cells from the lungs spread to the bones in the shoulder area.

Headaches and Migraines

Lung cancer, especially when it’s spread or in an advanced stage, can trigger headaches that don’t seem to go away. A severe headache or a migraine that’s uncommon for you should never be ignored.

Not all headaches indicate cancer, but they could be an indication that cancer has expanded to the brain – particularly in non-small cell lung cancer.

Cutaneous Signs

Uncommon signs of lung cancer can also be visible on the skin. For example, a yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes – a powerful symptom of jaundice – can be an indication that the tumor has blocked the bile duct.

Another visible sign is a condition called finger clubbing – the enlargement of the fingers and thickening of the nails. This sign can indicate a long-standing lung disease or the early stages of lung cancer.

The Takeaway

The importance of recognizing these uncommon signs of lung cancer cannot be overstated. Recognizing the symptoms as early as possible can lead to a better prognosis and more effective treatment.

It’s crucial to remember that every person’s experience with lung cancer is different, and if you experience any unusual symptoms, it’s best to speak with a trusted healthcare professional immediately.