Lung cancer symptoms: This ‘unsettling’ symptom is a major warning sign
Lung cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the lung. Lung cancer does not usually cause noticeable symptoms until it’s spread through the lungs or into other parts of the body. This means the outlook for the condition is not as good as many other types of cancer. One sign that the cancer has spread can be spotted in the face and neck.
The cancer may be pressing on the vein
Macmillan UK
People with advanced cancer may notice a swelling on the face or neck. According to Cancer Research UK, this is called superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO).
As Macmillan UK explained, the superior vena cava (SVC) is a big vein in the middle of the chest. It carries blood from the upper body to the heart. If cancer presses on the SVC, it may block the flow of blood along this vein.
The charity said: “SVCO is usually caused by a lung cancer near this vein and less commonly other types of cancer.
“The cancer may be pressing on the vein or affecting lymph nodes in the chest.”
Other symptoms of SVCO may include:
- A feeling of fullness in the face when bending over
- Breathlessness
- Headaches
- Swelling in the hands, and veins on a person’s chest
- Feeling dizzy
- Changes in a person’s eyesight.
According to Macmillan UK, SVCO requires immediate medical attention. The symptoms are alleviated with oxygen and different drugs, said the charity.
It added: “You may be given steroids to reduce swelling. Treatment will depend on your situation.
“Doctors may use radiotherapy to shrink the cancer or give you chemotherapy. Or they may put a small tube (stent) into the vein to keep it open.”
According to the NHS, other less common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- Changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger (this is known as finger clubbing)
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
- Wheezing
- A hoarse voice
- Persistent chest or shoulder pain
According to Cancer Research UK, smoking tobacco is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK. Around seven out of ten lung cancers are caused by smoking. This includes breathing in other people’s cigarette smoke, warned the charity.
Research also suggests that being exposed to diesel fumes over many years can increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer, reported the NHS.
One study has shown a person’s risk of developing lung cancer increases by around 33 per cent if they live in an area with high levels of nitrogen oxide gases (mostly produced by cars and other vehicles), noted the health body.
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