Depression, finger changes and other symptoms that you might miss

You don’t smoke and you don’t have a persistent cough: so you might think that lung cancer is not your concern. But think again. Although smoking remains the main cause of lung cancer death, around 20% of diagnosed people have never touched a cigarette. Identifying early signs is crucial, but many symptoms are so subtle that they are easy to miss.

People with lung cancer may experience persistent cough, repeated chest infections, blood cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, constant fatigue and unexplained weight loss. Although it is the common signs that people generally associate with lung cancer, we will explore the silent warnings that the body can send which are often easy to neglect.

Swelling of the face and neck: Patients with lung cancer can develop tumors near the superior vein, a large vein that carries the deoxygenated blood of the head, neck, upper limbs and torso to the heart. This complication, known as the upper vein cave syndrome, occurs when the tumor crowds against the vein and the lymph nodes nearby, which blows the blood and leading to swelling of the face and neck.

Mental health symptoms: Studies have shown that people who were diagnosed later with lung cancer have often developed mental health problems such as confusion, anxiety and depression. These symptoms could be caused by tumors affecting the brain, the impact of cancer on the immune system or hormones, or high levels of cancer -related calcium.

Finger clubbing: Clubbing is a notable but often neglected symptom associated with lung cancer. It occurs when certain pulmonary tumors produce hormonal substances which increase blood flow and the accumulation of liquid in the fingers, leading to their enlargement. This condition is characterized by rounded and curved fingers and nails which may seem brilliant or curved more than usual.

Stomach problems: It is estimated that around 40% of patients with lung cancer develop tumors that release substances that could disturb normal calcium levels. Excessive calcium in the blood affects digestion and causes stomach cramps, nausea and constipation.

Shoulders and back pain: Not all lung cancers affect the respiratory system. For example, a pancoast tumor is a type of lung cancer that grows in the upper part of the lung and can spread to ribs, vertebrae, nerves and blood vessels. This type of lung cancer can cause pain in the shoulder blades, upper back and arm.

Early detection of lung cancer:

The survival rate of lung cancer depends largely on the distance at which cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis. If it is detected early, when cancer is still located and treated quickly, certain lung cancers can go into remission. Therefore, if you feel symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor. However, keep in mind that these symptoms cannot necessarily indicate lung cancer because they could be linked to other conditions.