Early Signs of Lung Cancer that Women Shouldn’t Ignore

One of the most common and serious type of cancer in both women and men is lung cancer. However, its symptoms and warning signs are different in men and women, therefore it is important to look out for the symptoms that are specific for your sex.

Lung cancer in women

This type of cancer that women develop is called adenocarcinoma. This cancer spreads on the outer part of the lungs. Unfortunately, the symptoms of adenocarcinoma are less obvious than in the other types of lung cancer. In some cases, the tumor can become large and spread throughout the body before being detected.

Early symptoms of lung cancer in women:

• Back and shoulder pain;
• Persistent cough;
• Blood in the cough;
• Coughing up phlegm or mucus with blood;
• Harsh sound while breathing;
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches;
• Exhaustion;
• Loss of muscle mass;
• Appetite loss and unexplained weight loss;
• Blood clots;
• Neck or face swelling;
• Shortness of breath while exercising;
• Once the cancer grows the following symptoms appear:
• Increased mucus and change in color;
• Chest, shoulder, and back pain;
• Memory issues
• Bone fractures that are not caused by accidental injury;
• Joint or bone pain

Lung cancer in men

Men can develop squamous cell carcinomas also known as non-small cell lung cancer which develops in the central part of the lungs, resulting in air obstruction. 

Some of the symptoms include:

• Wheezing
• Repeated lung infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Chronic cough

However, the common symptoms of lung cancer in men tend to obstruct the airways more than lung cancer those in women. According to studies men usually neglect these symptoms due to lifestyle habits like smoking.

It is very important not to neglect the warning signs even though the symptoms of lung cancer may seem obvious.  

Well it is important to stop smoking in order to reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Source: healthyfoodteam