Cancer is one of the top causes of deaths in the last several years. As we already know, there are many different kinds of cancer. In men and women, lung cancer is the second most common cancer. The symptoms and warning signs are slightly different in both sexes, so you should see the symptoms that are for your sex.
Lung cancer in women
This type of cancer is commonly called adenocarcinoma and it spreads on the outer part of the lungs. The symptoms are less obvious than in the other types of lung cancer. In many cases the tumor can become large and it can spread throughout the body before being detected.
Some of the early symptoms are:
- Back and shoulder pain;
- Shortness of breath while exercising;
- Once the cancer grows the following symptoms appear:
- Increased mucus and change in color;
- Chest, shoulder, and back pain;
- Persistent cough;
- Coughing blood;
- Coughing up phlegm or mucus with blood;
- Harsh sound while breathing;
- Shortness of breath.
This type of cancer can be extremely hard to detect. It spreads to other body parts and may be noticed only when it reaches the most advanced stages. The symptoms can be felt in different body parts like bones, liver, lymph nodes, and the adrenal glands once it is spread in such a manner. It can also cause some other symptoms like:
- Headaches;
- Fatigue;
- Loss of muscle mass;
- Appetite loss and unexplained weight loss;
- Blood clots;
- Neck or face swelling;
- Loss of memory;
- Bone fractures that are not caused by accidental injury;
- Joint or bone pain.
Lung cancer in men
Men usually develop squamous cell carcinomas known as non-small cell lung cancer. It develops in the central part of the lungs, near the main airway (bronchus) and results in obstruction of air. The symptoms are obviously related to lung cancer compared to the most commonly experienced by women.
These are some of the symptoms:
- Wheezing;
- Repeated lung infections like bronchitis or pneumonia;
- Chronic cough.
The symptoms of lung cancer in men obstruct the airway more than the condition in women. Still, according to many studies, men overlook the symptoms because of their smoking habits.
The symptoms of lung cancer may seem obvious, but it is extremely important not to overlook the warning signs. It is also very important to reduce the risks of lung cancer at all costs and this unfortunately for many, includes smoking.
