20 Signs of Lung cancer, Lung cancer is among the most common and severe types of cancer. While it affects both men and women, its types and symptoms are different in men and women. As such, you need to know the symptoms associated with your sex.
Lung cancer in women
Known as adenocarcinoma, lung cancer in women develops on the outer part of the lungs. Its symptoms are less noticeable compared to other types of lung cancer. In most cases, the tumour can become large and spread all through the body before being diagnosed.
The earliest symptoms of lung cancer in women include:
- Persistent cough;
- Back and shoulder pain;
- Coughing up phlegm or mucus with blood;
- Blood in the cough;
- Headaches;
- Harsh sound while breathing;
- Exhaustion;
- Shortness of breath
- Appetite loss and unexplained weight loss;
- Loss of muscle mass;
- Shortness of breath while exercising;
- Blood clots;
- Neck or face swelling.
Once cancer grows, the following symptoms appear:
- Memory issues
- Increased mucus and change in colour;
- Chest, shoulder, and back pain;
- Joint or bone pain
- Bone fractures that aren’t caused by accidental injury;
Lung cancer in men
This is called Squamous cell carcinoma. It develops in the tissue lining the air passages in the lungs. Squamous cell carcinomas are generally located in the central part of the lungs- in the larger bronchi, which join the trachea to the lung.
Symptoms of Squamous cell carcinoma include:
- Wheezing
- Chronic cough
- Repeated lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
The common lung cancer symptoms in men obstruct the airways more than the symptoms in women. However, studies show that men typically ignore these symptoms, thanks to their smoking habits. Hence, it would be best if you didn’t ignore the apparent symptoms. You’re also advised to do everything possible to reduce the risks of lung cancer.