Lung cancer symptoms are often confused with common illness such as a cold or flu. Although there are many tests available for the detection of lung cancer, it is not always possible to detect this disease early. In this article, we will reveal 7 symptoms and 7 causes of lung cancer.
Symptoms of lung cancer :
Symptoms of lung cancer may differ from patient to patient. The symptoms of lung cancer are non-specific and are difficult to differentiate them from other health disorders.
- Sever cough
a cough that doesn’t seem to related to any particular illness may be a sign of pleural effusion. - Chest pain
On the other hand, a severe chest pain, which can also be attributed to a different disease like pneumonia, may also be a sign of lung cancer. - Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath may also be a symptom of this disease. Consistent shortness of breath may indicate the creation of a tumor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible. - Weakness and fatigue
Feeling tired or weak can come on suddenly. However, it is possible that you just pulled a muscle or strained a muscle. If this is the case, then use heat and ice to relax your muscles. If the pain doesn’t go away, see your doctor right away. - Changing in hair color
Another sign that could mean cancer is a change in the color of your hair. Many people will immediately notice a change in the color of their hair when it changes. - Fever
A change in body temperature is also one of the symptoms of this disease. In particular, patients may experience hot fever and feeling of chills as well. If your temperature remains high for more than two days, it is probably an indication of infection and therefore you should see your doctor. - Heavy chest
Lymph nodes in the chest may begin to swell or feel heavy. Tumors of other parts of the lung diseases may occur at the same time, leading to increased chances of developing cancer of lymph nodes or of the hear which leads to feeling heaviness in the chest.
Causes of lung cancer :
- Smoking-related air pollution
The most common cause of lung cancer in both smokers and nonsmokers is smoking-related air pollution. The leading cause of all lung cancers is smoking-related air pollution. There are about 600 different ingredients in tobacco. When smoked, they produce more than 7,500 different compounds that are suspected of causing cancer. Even more importantly, many of those compounds are toxic, so it’s no wonder that those who regularly smoke have a significantly higher risk of getting lung cancer as well.
- Asbestos
Another cause is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is made from chrysotile, which is usually found in fireproofing. Other chemicals in tobacco are suspected of being causes of this disease as well, including nickel, chromium, and manganese.
- Tar and nicotine
Cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, or peritoneum, accounts for most cases of non-smokers’ lung cancer. It accounts for nearly half of all cases of non-small cell lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. The lining of the lungs is actually very thin but there are certain compounds that can make it much thicker. These compounds include non-aldehyde compounds and certain carcinogens, such as tar and nicotine. Tar and nicotine are both significant contributors to non-smoker lung cancer.
- Toxins
Not all causes are related to smoking, either. In fact, some seem to be caused by exposure to toxins in soil, air, or water, which many people are not aware of. As a result, there are a number of environmental toxins that increase a person’s risk factors for this condition. These include lead, arsenic, cysts, chlorine, radon, cigarette smoke, and other chemicals that the United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates are present in at least 25% of American homes.
- Pesticides
Another frequent genetic cause is exposure to pesticides, which are commonly used in the United States, as well as in other parts of the world. A polluate area with pesticides can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
- Family history and genetics
An environmental factor that can potentially play a role in causing this condition is a family history of this disease. This is particularly important because family history of this disease often reveals certain characteristics that can help predict the likelihood of an individual developing it in the future. For example, individuals who have parents, siblings, or grandparents who have had this condition are more likely to develop it in the future, as are individuals who have more family members who also have this disease. - Lifestyle
As far as diet goes, there is a lot of conflicting information. Many people believe that too much fat can cause you to develop these problems. On the other hand, others swear by a healthy diet and good exercise to prevent this condition. The truth seems to lie somewhere in the middle. It is probably a good idea to eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise