Detecting early signs of lung cancer can be difficult, unlike other cancers, symptoms of lung cancer usually do not appear until at an advanced stage, and when the tumor grows large enough to press on other organs, it causes pain and discomfort, however sometimes There are early warning signs that we should look out for.
According to a website report, ExpressOftentimes, when patients receive a diagnosis of lung cancer, they experience symptoms such as persistent difficulty breathing, frequent respiratory infections, or chest pain for a period of time.
But it is unlikely that one will recognize these symptoms as symptoms of lung cancer before it is too late, and according to doctors, while a cough or a case of bronchitis is not a reason to believe that you have lung cancer, if you are at high risk of developing lung cancer, Paying attention to early warning signs is critical.”
Doctors have identified common symptoms of lung cancer to look for in order to detect the disease as early as possible, and one of them can be evident in your voice:
Hoarseness: A chronic cough or a tumor that interferes with the vocal cords can cause people with lung cancer to have a hoarse voice.
Chronic cough: People with lung cancer often complain of a cough that does not go away; A chronic cough that lasts at least eight weeks.
Recurrent respiratory infections: lung tumors can block the airway, causing frequent infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Cough with blood: Even if it’s just a small amount of blood, a cough with blood or bloody mucus is a reason to call your doctor.
Shortness of breath: Lung cancer can narrow the airway, making it difficult to breathe.
Chest pain: When a lung tumor causes tightness in the chest or compresses nerves, you may feel pain in your chest, especially when breathing deeply, coughing or laughing.
The majority of hoarseness in lung cancer patients is caused by recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (paralysis or weakness of that nerve), tumors of the left lung can press on the nerve, causing hoarseness or recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, although tumors of the right lung Less common, however, they can also cause recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy.
The following people are considered to be at high risk of developing lung cancer and are likely to have hoarseness as a symptom:
- Those with a history of excessive smoking (smoking at least one pack per day for 30 years).
- Current smokers or former smokers who have quit within the past 15 years.
- Those between the ages of 55 and 80.