Cancer is the uncontrolled and rapid mutation of healthy cells in the body. Lung cancer is triggered when the mutation begins in the respiratory organ and progresses quickly, destroying healthy lung tissue. There is no cure for lung cancer. But it is possible to improve the outlook with prompt diagnosis and early treatment. For this, one must be able to identify the following common and alarming signs of lung cancer.

A persistent cough
A cough that develops and does not subside is one of the primary alarming signs of progressive respiratory failure. Any new cough lasting for eight weeks or more is a worrying sign that should be immediately assessed. In some cases, one might also cough up some blood-tinged mucus or rusty-colored phlegm, indicating cancer has begun to destroy healthy tissue resulting in lung cell damage.

Chest pain
A feeling of tightness in the chest that gets worse with each passing day is also indicative of progressive lung cancer. The cancer cells rapidly spread and infect healthy lung tissue responsible for absorbing and storing the inhaled oxygen. As a result, one will experience pain while breathing deeply or even coughing as the lung tissues expand and contract. As the cancer spreads, this feeling of tightness only worsens, so immediate specialist consultation is advisable.

Wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling noise indicating a person is having trouble inhaling and exhaling oxygen. Inflammation and narrowing of the air passage from the nasal cavity to the lungs cause wheezing as the air is forced out of the organ. The lung tissue is already compromised due to cancer cells; wheezing makes the organ work harder to absorb fresh oxygen required for proper body function. Wheezing, if left unchecked, can affect daily routine tasks that are otherwise done with ease.

Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom observed in a number of health complications. In cases of lung cancer, the affected person generally develops anemia due to a low red blood cell count. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen via the circulatory system to all organs and extremities in the body. A low red blood cell count means less oxygen being circulated in the system, which, in turn, triggers fatigue in the lung tissues. Often, fatigue is combined with the loss of appetite and unexplained body mass loss due to reduced food intake.

Other symptoms
Changes in one’s voice resulting in hoarseness while speaking, problems with balance or gait, bone pain, shoulder pain, fatty fingers, and increased thirst coupled with frequent urination are all indicative signs of lung cancer. In rare cases, some people will also develop headaches, a rapid, irregular heartbeat, and even puffy arms, neck, or face, as the blood clots are triggered by inflammation of the cells. The symptoms also tend to instill fear among those who show rapid progression of the disease, resulting in anxiety and depression, among other psychological disorders.

Note that no two symptoms develop in a similar manner among patients. Therefore, immediate professional attention is advisable if the discomforts persist longer than expected. Many symptoms are overlapping in nature so specialists must also rule out other health complications to confirm lung cancer.