Early symptoms and precursors of lung cancer

Early symptoms and signs of lung cancer include persistent cough, chest pain, dyspnea, hoarseness, weight loss, etc. Timely detection and medical treatment are the key to improving the cure rate. Early symptoms of lung cancer are often not obvious and are easily ignored, but through regular physical examinations and paying attention to physical changes, early detection and treatment measures can be taken.

1. Persistent cough is a common early symptom of lung cancer. The cough may be dry or accompanied by a small amount of sputum, lasting for a long time, and conventional cough suppressants are not effective. If the cough does not improve for more than two weeks, especially with bloody sputum, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for a chest CT scan.

2. Chest pain is also one of the early signs of lung cancer. The pain may be dull or stabbing, often located on one side of the chest, and sometimes radiating to the shoulder and back. Chest pain may be related to the tumor compressing surrounding tissues or invading the pleura. If chest pain persists or worsens, imaging examinations should be performed in time to rule out the possibility of lung cancer.

3. Dyspnea is an important early symptom of lung cancer. Tumor growth may block the airway, causing difficulty breathing, especially after activities. If unexplained dyspnea occurs, especially with wheezing or shortness of breath, be alert to the possibility of lung cancer and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

4. Hoarseness may be related to lung cancer invading the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The voice change lasts for a long time and there is no obvious cause, such as a cold or excessive use of the voice. If the hoarseness lasts for more than two weeks, it is recommended to undergo a laryngoscopy and chest imaging examination to rule out lung cancer or other diseases.

5. Weight loss is one of the nonspecific symptoms of early lung cancer. Significant weight loss in a short period of time may be related to the tumor consuming energy in the body or affecting appetite. If the weight loss exceeds 5% and there is no clear reason, a full-body examination should be performed, including lung imaging examination.

Early detection and treatment of lung cancer are crucial. The cure rate of lung cancer can be improved through regular physical examinations, paying attention to physical changes, and seeking medical treatment in a timely manner. For high-risk groups, such as long-term smokers and those with a family history, annual low-dose chest CT screening is recommended to detect lesions early. Treatments for early lung cancer include surgical resection, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy, and specific plans need to be formulated according to the patient's condition. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and exercising moderately, can also help reduce the risk of lung cancer.