Lung Cancer Warning – Don’tIgnore Unexplained Weight Loss

When lung cancer is in its early stages, spotting its symptoms can be difficult. However, the undisputable signs of lung cancer include chest pain or coughing. And when you experience unexplained weight loss, don’t ignore it as it can be another symptom, experts warn.

Lung cancer is among the most common cancer types in the United Kingdom. While the disease mainly affects individuals over 40 years old, those who are commonly diagnosed with it are people aged 70 to 74 years.

The symptoms of lung cancer can be hard to spot in its initial stages, but as the illness develops, there are tell-tale signs. Which include unexplained weight loss. Loss of appetite can cause weight loss. Approximately 60 percent of patients have considerable weight loss during diagnosis.

Medically, loss of appetite is referred to as anorexia. And the weakness resulting from malnutrition and ill health is referred to as cachexia. The cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome can cause more complications to those with lung cancer. Nearly 50 percent of all lung cancer patients experience the anorexia-cachexia syndrome.

Persistent cough
Coughing up blood
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Regular chest infections
Constant fatigue

Less common symptoms include:

Swelling of the neck
Swelling of the face
Hoarse voice
Thickening of fingertips

The most serious symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, and having a persistent cough for over three weeks. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away.

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