Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths within the U.S., among both men and women. There are two types of lung cancer: small-cell-lung carcinoma and non-small-cell lung carcinoma. It is important to know which one you have since the treatment for each one is different. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of lung cancer below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer are as follows:

• A persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Sore throat
• Coughing up blood
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

There are often no signs and symptoms of lung cancer when the cancer is in its early stages. Lung cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, with eighty-five to ninety percent of all lung cancers being attributable to cigarette smoke.

The remaining ten to fifteen percent is attributed to radioactive exposure, radon gas, secondhand smoke, air pollution and genetic susceptibilities. Women who smoke and are on hormone replacement therapy have an increased rate of lung cancer. Lung cancer kills more people than breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer combined.

Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

If the patient has signs and symptoms of lung cancer, a chest x-ray is taken to examine the lung for masses or growths.  A CT scan may be used if there are no obvious signs of lung cancer on the chest x-ray. A lung tissue biopsy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of lung cancer, since the signs and symptoms of lung cancer can mimic other disorders, such as tuberculosis, valley fever and sarcoidosis.

Books for People With Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Resources

General Patient Resources

• National Cancer Institute

Information about lung cancer treatment, prevention, causes, screening, clinical trials, research, statistics and other topics from the National Cancer Institute.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/lung

• Lung Cancer . org

Support our free professional support services for anyone affected by lung cancer.

http://www.lungcancer.org/

• Medicine Net . com

Get the facts on lung cancer treatment, diagnosis, staging, causes (smoking), types (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell), prevention, symptoms, warning signs and survival rates.

http://www.medicinenet.com/lung_cancer/article.htm

• Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides in-depth information about lung cancer.

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/

• Cancer Compass

Full of supportive resources, our online lung cancer forum is a valuable way for cancer patients and their loved ones to share stories and information, research treatment options and connect online. Explore our online lung cancer resources today

http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/lung-cancer/1,0,119,3.htm

• E Health Forum

Welcome to the Lung Cancer Forum – a health community featuring member and doctor discussions ranging from a specific symptom to related conditions, treatment options, medication, side effects, diet, and emotional issues surrounding medical conditions.

http://ehealthforum.com/health/lung_cancer.html

Medical Resources

• Pub Med Health

Reviews causes, incidence, risk factors, symptoms, treatment, prognosis and complications.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004529/

• Web MD

Lung Cancer Health Center and lung cancer overview.

http://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/default.htm

• Mayo Clinic

Lung Cancer – Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment of non-small and small cell types.

http://www.bing.com/health/article/mayo-125181/Lung-cancer?q=lung+cancer