Many people have no idea that these lesser-known eight symptoms can be signs of lung cancer, but if you spot any of these signs you should urgently seek medical advice
In the UK, lung cancer is one of the most common forms of the disease – and one of the most deadly. In its early stages, the disease displays few symptoms, which is why it is crucial to familiarise yourself with both the common, and unusual signs of lung cancer – particularly if you are in a high-risk group, like people who smoke, who account for 70 percent of diagnoses.
Each year over 43000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK – per the NHS – and just under 80 percent of these cases are sadly preventable. For the most part, lung cancer primarily affects older people and is quite rare in those under 40 years old – with over the 75s making up 40 percent of those diagnosed.
Due to the lack of symptoms in its earliest stages, it’s absolutely vital to see your GP for further examination if you have any symptoms that could be lung cancer – even if it turns out to be nothing, you can’t be too careful with your health. Many people are aware of the most common signs of the disease: persistent coughing, recurrent chest infections, chest pain, breathlessness, or coughing blood, but there are quite a few more unusual symptoms of lung cancer too.
Unexplained weight loss is an important one to look out for, whilst you may not immediately associate this sign with lung cancer, it is actually one of the main symptoms. Oncologist Ben Creelan said to Health Central “Anytime someone has unexplained weight loss over the course of several weeks and there isn’t a mental health component, like depression or grieving, contributing, that warrants some scrutiny,” adding that your doctor may be able to provide you with medication to stimulate your appetite.
Shoulder pain can also be an uncommon symptom of lung cancer – this generally occurs when someone has developed a tumour in the upper part of their lung – called a Pancoast tumour. This occurs when the tumor “pushes on the shoulder blade or brachial plexus, which is that bundle of nerves that runs from your spine to your shoulder to your arm, and that causes progressively worsening pain over the course of several weeks,” the cancer expert explains, adding that if left untreated your entire arm can become paralysed over time.
There are lots of causes of shoulder pain, however, but it is still worth getting looked over by your GP if you find yourself dealing with this – whilst it may well have another cause, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Changes to the appearance of your hands can also be uncommon signs of lung cancer. Health Central reports that thickening of the knuckles can be a symptom of one form of the disease – non-small cell lung cancer – also known as hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, and will see your knuckles stiffen and thicken up. Another change to your hands you should be looking out for – per the NHS – is clubbed fingers. If you spot the ends of your fingers becoming larger or appearing more curved, it is worth getting checked out by a medical professional.
Your voice becoming hoarse can also be one of the less common signs of the disease. Whilst many people suffer from a hoarse voice temporarily during a cold or flu, if this persists it could be a sign that lung cancer is affecting the nerves of your voice box, and you should see your GP.
The fifth unusual lung cancer symptom that is worth familiarising yourself with is changes to the appearance of your face or neck – any swelling or redness should cause you to book an appointment with your doctor, particularly if you’re at risk of developing lung cancer.
Dr. Michael Wert – a pulmonary disease expert – explained to Health Central that is it also crucial to get any changes to your eye or eyelids checked out quickly. Although it is rare, Pancoast tumors in the upper part of the lung can impact the blood vessels and nerves that go to your eyes – so if you spot any drooping, or weakness in your eyelid, along with a reduction in the size of your pupils, you should seek medical attention.
Pain when swallowing is also an important sign to look out for, the NHS explains, and although it is a more uncommon symptom it is still important to be aware that this could be a sign of the disease.
Dr. Wert explained that paraneoplastic phenomena could also be an uncommon sign of lung cancer, this is where your immune system has a response to the cancerous tumour in your body that causes other symptoms – some of which can be serious. “Lung cancer can indirectly lead to very high calcium levels that could cause confusion, excessive urination, and vomiting…Certain types of lung cancers can cause very low sodium levels (or hyponatremia), that if severe enough can cause confusion, personality changes, or even seizures,” the expert said.
If you are worried that you may have signs of lung cancer – common or unusual – you should seek further tests from your GP as soon as possible. Lifestyle factors are the biggest indicator of developing lung cancer, and whilst quitting smoking is never easy, there’s no time like the present.
Quitting smoking can minimise your risk of developing lung cancer – as well as other diseases like type 2 diabetes and dementia. The NHS has a wealth of free resources available to you to help you kick the habit for good – from support to medications.
Do you have a story to tell? Email: emma.mackenzie@reachplc.com
