5 Lung Cancer symptoms that often go unnoticed. 'Feels like a common...'

Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers, because it develops silently inside the body, without producing noticeable symptoms during its initial growth phase. The initial signs of lung cancer tend to be unnoticeable, because they resemble typical bronchitis or asthma symptoms, which results in delayed medical detection. The detection of lung cancer becomes possible through awareness of these five common, yet overlooked symptoms which present as minor health indicators. Let's take a look...

A persistent cough lasting more than three weeks without improvement, serves as a primary indicator for lung cancer. The coughing symptom persists without relief from standard cold or allergy treatments, and it produces either dryness, or mucus. People commonly dismiss this symptom because they believe it represents a typical cold or bronchitis infection, thus they avoid medical consultations. Most people describe it as 'common cough' that extends for weeks. This occurs because a cancerous lung tumor creates airway irritation, which results in a long-lasting cough. The condition becomes more alarming when the cough shows any signs of deterioration, or transformation. Medical professionals need to examine patients with persistent cough, because lung cancer represents a possible dangerous underlying condition.

Weight loss and persistent fatigue represent two common symptoms, which people commonly dismiss as normal aging or stress. People commonly link weight loss to dieting or stress but unexplained weight loss, indicates a possible serious medical condition such as lung cancer. This occurs because the body needs extra energy to fight the cancer, which can lead to drastic weight loss. On the other hand, cancer cells within the body drain patients' energy levels, which makes it difficult to perform daily tasks. The non-specific nature of these symptoms lead people to commonly dismiss them as normal aging or lifestyle fatigue, which leads to delayed cancer diagnosis.

A prolonged hoarse or raspy voice without any throat infection or cold symptoms, could indicate lung cancer. This occurs because development of cancer in the lungs, can damage the nerve pathways that control vocal cord function, which results in permanent voice changes. People usually treat hoarseness as a simple throat issue or voice strain, without seeking medical help. Medical evaluation becomes necessary when hoarseness persists while patients experience coughing or chest pain, because these symptoms indicate possible lung cancer.

Breathlessness during regular activities together with difficulty breathing, indicates potential cancerous lung problems. The growth of lung tumors creates blockages in airways, while simultaneously decreasing lung function which results in breathing difficulties. People commonly link this symptom to aging, asthma or physical inactivity. Medical professionals need to evaluate patients who experience unexplained shortness of breath, because it requires immediate attention. A doctor's early assessment will identify the source of the problem, so treatment can begin right away.

A shoulder pain is hardly connected to lung cancer, since most people think it stems from a muscle pull, or having simply 'slept wrong'. On the other hand, even chest pain is more connected to the heart and not the lungs per se. However, Lung cancer tumors that press against nerves and chest structures lead to ongoing pain and discomfort in chest and shoulder, even though there is no evidence of injury. The pain becomes more severe when patients laugh, cough or do any activity that requires deep breathing. People frequently overlook chest pain because it appears in various minor medical conditions, which leads to incorrect diagnoses. A doctor needs to examine patients who experience ongoing chest or shoulder pain, because additional symptoms like coughing or weight loss can be indicative of cancer.

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice