Symptoms of Lung Cancer

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From A.P. Johnson Institute of Cancer Research..




LUNG CANCER SYMPTOMS


Some of the symptoms of lung cancer are similar to symptoms of other common illnesses. So, it’s important for your doctor to perform a thorough physical examination and to know your medical history. Your doctor will consider your age, smoking history, and diseases or conditions that you and your family members may have. Your doctor will also need to know if you’ve been exposed to any harmful chemicals. All of these things will help to determine the next steps.

The most common symptom of lung cancer is cough; it occurs in over 50% of people with lung cancer. The tumor causes irritation to the lungs and airway tissue, resulting in cough. Other common symptoms of lung cancer are chest pain, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and wheezing. About 30% of people with lung cancer will cough up blood, called hemoptysis; you should call your doctor immediately if this happens. If the tumor grows larger, it can press on nearby organs and bones. When this happens, symptoms may include bone pain, chest pain, hoarseness, cough, shortness of breath, swelling of the face or arms, and/or a build up of fluid around the outside of the lungs, also called pleural effusion.

Some symptoms are caused by the cancer spreading to other parts of the body (the lung cancer has metastasized). Symptoms from lung cancer metastases depend on where the cancer has spread. If the lung cancer has spread to the brain or spinal cord, you may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, tiredness, or seizures. If the lung cancer has spread to the bones, you may feel bone pain. If the cancer has spread to the liver, you may have right-sided abdominal pain and jaundice. There are also some general symptoms of lung cancer like weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite. If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer and you develop any of these or other new symptoms, you should let your doctor know.


Healthy Cells vs. Cancer Cells
Healthy cells are like a cat. They need structure to determine the size of bones and shape of the body, tail and whiskers. The DNA in genes and chromosomes determine this. They need energy to play and prowl and sustain life. This is derived from chemicals in food. Cats need a system to deliver chemicals (food nutrients like amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals) to all parts of their body. These are the blood vessels. Growth factors take a kitten into a lazy old cat, all the while helping it to function normally.

The body and its cells are mostly made up of protein. The building blocks of proteins are substances called amino acids that in the form of enzymes and hormones literally control every chemical reaction within the cells. When these are modified, different messages are sent to a complex control system that can alter their function. There are twenty different kinds of amino acids that are essential to life. Twelve of these can be synthesized within the body however; eight must be supplied by the daily diet.

Structure

Normal Cells
Cancer Cells

DNA in genes and chromosomes go about their business in a normal way.
Cancer cells develop a different DNA or gene structure or acquire abnormal numbers of chromosomes.

Cells divide in an orderly way to produce more cells only when the body needs them.
Cells continue to be created without control or order. If not needed, a mass of tissue is formed which is called a tumor.

Energy

Normal Cells
Cancer Cells

Cells derive 70% of their energy from a system called the “Krebs Cycle.”
Cells have a defective “Krebs Cycle” and derive little or no energy from it.

Cells derive only 20% of their energy from a system called “Glycolosis.”
Cancer cells derive almost all their energy from “Glycolosis.”

Cells derive most of their energy with the use of oxygen.
Cells derive most of their energy in the absence of oxygen.

Blood Vessels

Normal Cells
Cancer Cells

Cells have a built-in blood vessel system.
Cells do not have a built-in blood vessel system. They require more of certain amino acids to grow.




Growth Factors

Normal Cells
Cancer Cells

While similar to cancer cells, the amount of them is more in balance to produce a more normal level of activity.
These cells have over produced, require more chemicals (food) and are over active.

Functions

Normal Cells
Cancer Cells

The enzymes and hormones go about business in a normal balanced manner.
The enzymes and hormones are either over active or under active.

Tumors are Different

Benign
Malignant

Benign tumors are not cancerous. They do not invade nearby tissues nor spread to other parts of the body. They can be removed and are not a threat to life.
Malignant tumors are cancerous. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs and they can break away and enter the blood stream to form new tumors in other parts of the body. The spread of cancer is called metastasis.