According to a surgeon, lung cancer can be suspected as soon as these 4 symptoms appear, which must therefore be monitored carefully. We will explain everything to you.
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in France. As with any disease, early detection is essential to promote recovery. Lung cancer is characterized by respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath but also by non-respiratory symptoms including fatigue and loss of appetite.
But some symptoms may go unnoticed. This is why Chi-Fu Jeffrey Yang, thoracic surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital, alerted the Huffposton these 4 symptoms to monitor closely, which can be indicative of lung cancer. Here are which:
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No symptoms
People with early-stage lung cancer often have no symptoms. Indeed, it is when lung cancer has reached stages 3 and 4 that symptoms appear.
“That’s why lung cancer screening is so important. Lung cancer screening helps find lung cancer at earlier stages, when patients don’t have symptoms and are still feeling well, and when it is easier to treat”explains the surgeon.
Chest pain
When symptoms of lung cancer appear, you may experience chest pain. But these pains can also be linked to something else.
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“Most of the time when someone has these symptoms, they are related to something else, which makes diagnosing lung cancer so difficult, especially in young people,” says Daniel J. Boffa, clinical director of the Thoracic Cancer Center at the Yale Cancer Center.
A persistent cough
Cough is not a symptom specific to lung cancer. However, a persistent cough that has lasted for weeks (especially in the absence of other illness) may be cause for concern.
A persistent cough can also be a symptom of pneumonia. However, between 50 and 70% of people with lung cancer develop pneumonia, due to the weakening of their immune system.
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Pain in other parts of the body
“Once lung cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it may cause symptoms in those areas, such as headaches or pain near the bones of the back or pelvis,” alert Daniel J. Boffa.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor. Without giving in to panic, it is better to remain vigilant and detect possible lung cancer as quickly as possible.
Passionate about women’s news, Agathe has been deciphering the latest trends for aufeminin since 2022. Her favorite areas? Psychology, nutrition and well-being advice, without forgetting the tips…