Cancer is the rapid mutation of healthy cells that destroys other nearby cells. Lung cancer happens when the cells in the organ mutate and destroy healthy tissue responsible for absorbing and storing fresh oxygen. This oxygen gets circulated by red blood cells, reaching all extremities of the body. Lung cancer signs develop slowly but progressively, triggering several discomforts. Here are some silent but indicative signs of the condition:

Chest pain
The extreme mutation of cancer cells triggers a feeling of heaviness in the chest, followed by persistent pain. This happens as cancer spreads and destroys healthy lung tissue responsible for storing oxygen. Breathing deeply with compromised lung tissue can trigger pain and cause coughing as lung tissues struggle to expand and contract. Chest pain and a feeling of tightness in the region will only worsen as the cancer spreads. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes.

Rapid wheezing
Wheezing is different from experiencing shortness of breath. Wheezing happens when inflammation in the nasal passage constricts the airway, forcing a person to inhale and exhale with intensity. The extra pressure triggers a high-pitched sound as the air is forced through the narrow passage in the nasal cavity. Wheezing puts even more pressure on lung tissue that has already been compromised due to cancer cells invading the tissue. This forces the lungs to work harder and puts pressure on the organ, increasing the risk of respiratory failure.

Chronic cough
Coughing is a common symptom that is overserved consistently among known progressive diseases affecting the respiratory tract. However, a chronic cough that develops gradually and progresses aggressively over a period of eight weeks is one of the silent signs of lung cancer. Blood in the cough, red-tinged mucus, or rust-colored phlegm are alarming lung cancer signs that indicate tissue damage. Therefore, it is imperative that one consult with the doctor as soon as possible.

Fatigue
Experiencing tiredness despite not doing any physical activity or overexerting oneself is a clear sign of fatigue in the body. With lung cancer, fatigue develops mainly due to poor oxygen absorption by the red blood cells when the blood circulates through impaired lung tissue. As a result, vital organs in the body don’t receive freshly oxygenated blood. Cancer also increases the risk of anemia (low red blood cell count), further impacting circulation. Fatigue also impacts overall immunity and increases the risk of cancer spreading beyond the localized region.

Other noticeable discomforts
Any form of cancer is aggressive and spreads beyond the localized region in its advanced stages. So even if cancer develops in the lungs first, it can quickly metastasize and spread to other body organs. This can trigger some unusual signs like voice changes, problems with balance, poor gait, pain in the bones or shoulders, and even fatty fingers to develop with the progression. In severe cases, lung cancer signs may also include headaches, irregular heartbeats or arrhythmia complications, and blood clots triggered by the inflammation of healthy cells. Further, the fear of cancer spreading in the body can trigger anxiety and depression, among other known psychological disorders.

Lung cancer is one of the types of cancer with the leading mortality rates across the globe. About 80-90% of people in our country have been diagnosed with lung cancer that has developed because of smoking. To avoid the risks caused by smoking, people can work on improving their lifestyle and avoiding potential triggers. Simply delaying the habit can be a good rule of thumb. Some other options include participating in a physical activity of choice, enlisting a loved one for support through the quitting process, and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and visualization.