There are mainly two types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for nearly 80% of lung cancers and it can be broken down into three subtypes: Lung Adenocarcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Large Cell Carcinoma. While smoking is considered as the most prominent cause of lung cancer, but non-smokers can also get lung cancer. Symptoms of lung cancer can be differentiated into symptoms of lung cancer in men, women and non-smokers.
- Signs of Lung Cancer Among Non-Smokers
The most common type of lung cancer found in non smokers is Lung Adenocarcinoma. It tends to grow in the outer regions of the lungs and these tumors grow quite large before they cause any symptoms. Some of the early symptoms faced by non smokers include shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens with a deep breath, back and shoulder pain and fatigue. The most common areas that lung cancer effects are bones and the brain. Among smokers, the most common type of lung cancer is Squamous Cell Carcinoma. These tumors tend to show symptoms early on in the disease.
- Symptoms of Lung Cancer Among Women
The main reason that symptoms differ between the sexes is that the most common types of lung cancer vary between them. As different types of lung cancer tend to have different symptoms, men and women face varying symptoms. Among women, the most common type of lung cancer is Adenocarcinoma. The most common symptoms faced by them include gradual onset of the shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue and back pain.
- Symptoms of Lung Cancer Among Men
The most common type of lung cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. It tends to grow in or near the airways and often create symptoms at an early stage of lung cancer. The most common symptoms cover chronic cough, coughing up blood, hoarseness, shortness of breath and wheezing. They may also have repeated lung infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia due to obstruction of the airways by the tumor.
You should make an appointment with the doctor if you have signs that you are concerned about.