Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of deaths around the world. Continuous researches and studies are being conducted to help identify it at an early stage. A research study conducted on 698 primary lung cancer cases in patients diagnosed from January 2012 to December 2019 has found 11 signs and symptoms associated with higher chance of lung cancer. The study has been published in medrxiv.org. The following 11 symptoms have found to be associated with lung cancer:
- Finger clubbing
- Chest crackles or wheezing
- Cough
- Bone pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Lymphadenopathy
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Hemoptysis
- Back pain
The participants of the study were patients who received ambulatory care at a large tertiary care academic health center. Of all these symptoms: cough, back pain, weight loss, fatigue, chest crackle and bone pain was significantly associated with lung cancer six months prior to the diagnosis. Also, all except weight loss were also significantly associated with cases twelve months prior to diagnosis. The study’s findings hold significant relevance in diagnosis of lung cancer. Most of the times, it is detected when the cancer is already an advanced stage and thus, becomes difficult to cure it. The early it gets diagnosed, the more are the chances of long survival.
Lung cancer symptoms often go unnoticed at the early stage of the disease. The growth and multiplication of cancerous cells need to be observed carefully and identifying the signs and symptoms of the disease help to improve the screening process. This allows doctors to catch the disease early and treat it in timely manner.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only. You should consult your health care practitioner for any medical advice.
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