Causes, symptoms, treatment of lung cancer: Don't ignore these 8 warning signs

Early signs of lung cancer: Losing weight without changes to diet or exercise suggests the body is using stored energy to feed cancer cells. Cancer can affect metabolism, leading to rapid weight loss (Image: Canva)

Your lungs play a vital role in supplying oxygen to your body, which is essential for its proper functioning. To maintain lung health, it is important to avoid smoking, as tobacco smoke significantly increases the risk of lung diseases like COPD and lung cancer. Additionally, exposure to polluted air can cause inflammation in the respiratory system, leading to conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.

Protecting your lungs from harmful pollutants and chronic respiratory conditions through good hygiene and vaccinations is crucial. Studies highlight that both smoking and inhaling polluted air can impair lung function. Unfortunately, poor lung health can arise from various factors, says Dr Mohit Saxena, Consultant and HOD, Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram. “Smoking, pollution, and chronic respiratory conditions can all hamper your lung health. Exposure to tobacco smoke significantly increases the risk of lung damage, while prolonged inhalation of polluted air can lead to chronic inflammation in the respiratory system. It is important to understand the early symptoms.” he says.

Also read | Understanding lung cancer beyond smoking: It’s not just about cigarettes anymore

Dr Saxena shares the early signs of lung cancer:

Persistent cough: A cough that lasts for over three weeks could be a warning sign for serious issue, even with medication or lifestyle changes. While often linked to respiratory infections or minor conditions, it can sometimes be an early sign of lung cancer. If your cough worsens, changes (e.g., becomes deeper or produces phlegm), or persists, consult a doctor immediately.

Blood in cough (Haemoptysis): This happens when a person coughs up blood or blood-streaked sputum, regardless of the amount. Haemoptysis can range from rust-colored mucus to visible blood streaks and may indicate lung damage caused by various conditions. Early detection through imaging and diagnostic tests, such as CT scans or bronchoscopy, is crucial for identifying the underlying cause and ensuring appropriate treatment.

Shortness of breath: Breathlessness during simple activities or exercises can be a sign of lung problems, including lung cancer. Tumors may narrow the airways or cause fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion), limiting their ability to expand. If you experience shortness of breath or notice it worsening, it is important to see a doctor promptly.

Also read | Can lung cancer be prevented? Identify the risk factors and survival rates

Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without changes to diet or exercise suggests the body is using stored energy to feed cancer cells. Cancer can affect metabolism, leading to rapid weight loss. This symptom is often associated with anorexia and asthenia and requires further medical investigation.

Chest pain: Lung cancer can cause persistent or sudden severe chest pain, which may worsen with deep breaths, coughing, or laughing. This pain often results from the tumor pressing on bones, muscles, nerves, or other structures in the chest cavity. If chest pain intensifies, becomes localized, or arises without a clear cause, it is important to seek medical attention.

Chronic respiratory diseases: Inability to clear lung secretions, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, or recurrent respiratory infections that don’t heal or keep recurring may be  signs of obstructive lung cancer. Any chronic lung infection or one that doesn’t respond to treatment should be reviewed for possible underlying malignancy.

Hoarseness or voice changes: Inability to maintain a clear voice, along with symptoms like nodules, hoarseness, changes in pitch, or difficulty speaking, may result from a tumor pressing on the vocal cords or the recurrent laryngeal nerve. While infections like laryngitis can cause voice changes, if these changes persist for more than two weeks without improvement, further diagnosis is necessary.

Fatigue: Chronic, unexplained tiredness is another early symptom of lung cancer. Cancer affects the body's energy metabolism and causes inflammation in tissues. This persistent fatigue, especially when accompanied by other concerning symptoms, suggests a thorough examination by a doctor.

Early diagnosis and treatment:

Early diagnosis of lung cancer improves the chances of successful treatment and a better outcome. “If caught early, lung cancer can be treated with surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to prevent more severe stages,” says Dr Saxena, adding, “Advances in medicine have made treatments more effective and personalised. For advanced cases, chemotherapy and radiation are still useful, either alone or alongside other therapies. Palliative care is also important in severe cases, helping improve quality of life by addressing pain, breathlessness, and fatigue."

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.