Medical experts say there are at least 14 lesser-known symptoms of lung cancer people can look out for. Many are very rare, but you should approach your GP if you are concerned
There are a number of signs people can look out for if they are worried about lung cancer.
Most symptoms are a sign of something far less severe or nothing at all, but it is always best to talk to your GP if you are worried or even just unsure. Cancer Research UK said that close to 65 percent of people who are diagnosed with stage one lung cancer will live for five years or more following diagnosis, this drops to around 40 percent for people diagnosed with stage two lung cancer.
A medically reviewed guide on WebMD shares some excellent insight into the range of symptoms that can signify lung cancer. So here they are.
Pain in the shoulder and back
Pain in the shoulder and back could be a sign of what is known as a Pancoast tumour. Cancer Research UK explained: “A Pancoast tumour can spread into one or more structures in the top part of the chest, which include: the first ribs in the chest (thoracic ribs); upper part of the back; the bundle of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm and hand (the brachial plexus); blood vessels that supply blood to the arms.”
The charity and cancer experts said Pancoast tumours are “rare” and only occur in around five percent of every 100 lung cancer cases.
Eye problems
WebMD said that Pancoast tumours can also affect “the nerves to your eyes and part of your face” due to Horner’s syndrome. Manchester Royal Eye Hospital explained: “Horner’s syndrome is a rare condition that results from an interruption of the sympathetic nerve supply to your eye. The nerve that dilates your pupil (black part of your eye) in the dark is called the oculosympathetic nerve. This also controls a muscle that helps to keep your eyelid open. When this nerve is not working, the pupil on that side is abnormally small and the upper eyelid droops slightly.”
The hospital said serious conditions of Horner’s can be caused by a tumour in the lung.
Fatter fingertips
It may seem strange, but fatter fingertips could be a sign of lung cancer. This is because lung tumours can make chemicals that are like hormones, which push more blood and fluid to the fingertips, leading to fatter fingertips. Further signs may be that a person’s skin near the nails is shiny or that the nails curve more than usual.
Feeling tired
Lung cancer can affect your red blood cell count. Low levels of red blood cells are known as anaemia and can leave you feeling fatigued due to parts of your body not getting enough oxygen. Anaemia is a common side effect of lung cancer.
Aches and pains
Feeling weak and suffering from aches and pains could occur when lung cancer spreads and gets into your bones. This can cause new tumours that damage your bones.
Hypercalcemia can also weaken you and lead to aches all over your body, while the cancer could also impact your nervous system.
Blood clots
People with lung cancer are more likely to get a blood clot. This can happen in their legs and arms. Web MD said: “We don’t know exactly why. The cancer could cause inflammation that triggers the clotting process, or chemicals from the tumour itself might cause clots.”
Stomach pain
Stomach pain is usually a sign of something else far less severe. The common ailment is still something you should speak to your GP about if you are concerned, however.
High calcium levels, a condition known as hypercalcemia, is known to affect many cancer patients, so belly aches, and feeling constipated or sick could be signs of cancer, including lung cancer. This is because cancer can mess around with your kidneys.
Mental health
A downturn in your mental health could be a sign of cancer. Again, this really is something you should talk with your doctor about and the research around this is currently limited. Hypercalcemia can affect your mental health by impacting clarity of thought and depression.
Bad balance
Bad balance could be a sign of lung cancer. WebMD explained: “Small-cell lung cancers may tell your immune system to attack your nervous system, which can in turn affect how your muscles work. It may be hard to stand up when you’re sitting, or you might feel unsteady.”
Tumours can also make you dizzy if they are affecting the vein that moves blood from your brain to your head.
Weight gain
You may gain weight with small-cell lung cancer due to cancer making your body make ACTH, a hormone that raises the level of cortisol in your body. This makes it easier to retain fluid and you can gain weight which could be a sign of Cushing’s syndrome – when the body has too much cortisol.
The NHS said: “Cushing’s syndrome is uncommon. It mostly affects people who have been taking steroid medicine…” Most tumours causing Cushing’s are benign, the health service said.
Headaches
Your superior vena cava carries blood away from the neck, arms, head and upper chest and into the heart. A tumour in the lung can lean on the vein and cause headaches.
Puffy features
Similarly, a puffy face, neck or arms can be caused by a tumour choking part of the superior vena cava.
Swollen breasts in men
This is rare, but swollen breasts in men could be a sign of lung cancer due to a hormone imbalance. This can cause swelling or tenderness in male breast tissue.
Heart problems
Hypercalcemia and anaemia can give you an irregular heartbeat. WebMD said: “If your heart issues are from hypercalcemia, chances are it’s severe, and you could have a heart attack or go into a coma. Severe anaemia can also cause chest pains and shortness of breath.”
