5 Early Warning Signs of Lung Cancer That Are Often Overlooked

Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadliest forms of cancer worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer accounts for more deaths than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined. One of the biggest challenges in combating this disease is that it often goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. Recognizing the early – and often overlooked – signs will give you the best chance of fighting this disease.

5 Early Signs Of Lung Cancer That Are Often Overlooked

  1. Arm and Shoulder Pain: While it’s not commonly associated with lung cancer, persistent arm and shoulder pain can sometimes be an early indicator. This pain may occur when the cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes or bones, causing pressure on nerves. Often mistaken for musculoskeletal issues or arthritis, this symptom warrants attention, especially if it persists or worsens over time.
  2. Clubbed Fingers: Clubbing of the fingers refers to the abnormal enlargement of the fingertips and nails, giving them a bulbous appearance. This condition can be a sign of various underlying health issues, including lung cancer. It occurs due to insufficient oxygen in the bloodstream, which can result from lung tumors interfering with normal respiratory function. Though clubbing can also be caused by other factors, such as chronic lung diseases, it should prompt a visit to the doctor for further evaluation.
  3. Bone Pain: Lung cancer commonly metastasizes to the bones, leading to bone pain. This pain may manifest as persistent aches or sharp pains in the back, hips, ribs, or other areas of the body. Often mistaken for arthritis or normal aging-related discomfort, bone pain associated with lung cancer requires thorough investigation, as it may indicate advanced disease.
  4. Eye Problems: While not exclusive to lung cancer, certain eye symptoms can signal underlying health issues, including ocular metastasis from lung tumors. Symptoms such as blurred vision, bulging eyes, double vision, or even loss of vision can occur when cancer spreads to the eye sockets or optic nerves. Though less common, these symptoms should not be ignored, especially in individuals with a history of smoking or other risk factors for lung cancer.
  5. Digestive Problems: Lung cancer can affect the digestive system when tumors press against or invade nearby organs such as the esophagus or stomach. This can lead to symptoms like difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or unintended weight loss. While these symptoms are often attributed to gastrointestinal issues, they can sometimes be early signs of advanced lung cancer requiring prompt medical attention.

Treatment for Stage 3 and 4 Lung Cancer:

Advancements in cancer treatment have led to the development of various therapeutic options for advanced-stage lung cancer, including immunotherapy drugs like Keytruda (pembrolizumab). Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

For patients diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer, which has spread to nearby lymph nodes but not yet to distant organs, treatment typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and possibly surgery to remove the tumor and affected lymph nodes. Immunotherapy may also be recommended as part of the treatment regimen, either concurrently with chemotherapy and radiation or after completing these treatments.

In cases of stage 4 lung cancer, where the cancer has metastasized to distant organs such as the bones, liver, or brain, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and prolonging survival. While stage 4 lung cancer is considered incurable, immunotherapy has shown promising results in some patients by helping to control the disease’s progression and extend survival.

Keytruda For Treatment

Keytruda, a type of immunotherapy known as a checkpoint inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of certain patients with advanced-stage lung cancer. It works by blocking a specific protein on cancer cells called PD-L1, which allows the immune system to recognize and attack the cancer cells. Keytruda has shown efficacy in improving overall survival and delaying disease progression in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, particularly those with high levels of PD-L1 expression.

Being aware of these early warning signs of lung cancer is crucial for early detection and prompt treatment. If you experience any persistent symptoms, especially if you have risk factors such as a history of smoking, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. With advancements in treatment options like immunotherapy, there is hope for improved outcomes for patients with advanced-stage lung cancer.