16 Surprising Cancer Symptoms Everyone Should Know
Lung Cancer Symptoms: What You Should Know
Most of the time, lung cancer has no symptoms in its early stages. Your lungs don't have many nerve endings, so a tumor can start to grow there without causing pain. You may not notice the signs until your cancer has begun to spread.
When signs of the disease start to appear, they can include:
These problems usually happen because of blocked breathing passages or because the cancer has spread farther into the lung, nearby areas, or other parts of the body.
Early-stage lung cancer often has few symptoms. When it's caught early, it's usually because the patient had a screening. (Photo Credit: E+/Getty Images)
Stage I lung cancer symptoms
This early stage of lung cancer often doesn't cause any symptoms. Stage I lung cancer is more likely to be caught because you had a screening, not because you noticed anything wrong. If you do have symptoms, they may include:
Stage IV lung cancer symptoms
When your cancer reaches this stage, it has begun to spread to more spots in your lungs, the fluid around your lungs, or other places in your body. In addition to respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing, you may have:
Less common lung cancer symptoms
Some symptoms affect parts of your body that don't seem related to to your lungs. Those signs include:
Lung cancer symptoms on the skin
In addition to sweating issues caused by Horner syndrome, lung cancer can cause other issues with your skin. They include:
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among all genders. Lung cancer rates are falling across the board, but the decline hasn't been as big for younger women. Experts aren't sure why this is happening. Genetic mutations may play a role. Lung cancer has traditionally been associated with older men who have a history of smoking, so doctors may not suspect lung cancer at first when a nonsmoking young woman comes in with general symptoms such as cough or frequent respiratory infections.
There are two main types of lung cancer: small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is more common and makes up about 85% of all lung cancer cases. Within NSCLC, there are three subtypes:
There are two types of SCLC, mainly based on the type of cells involved and how they look under a microscope: small-cell carcinoma and mixed small-cell/large-cell cancer. It's sometimes called combined small-cell lung cancer. SCLC is strongly linked to cigarette smoking.
Both SCLC and NSCLC have many symptoms in common: cough, chest pain, wheezing, and hoarseness, for instance.
Non-small-cell lung cancer symptoms
NSCLC is more likely than SCLC to cause Horner syndrome, the collection of symptoms that affects your pupil, eyelid, and sweating on one side of your face.
Small-cell lung cancer symptoms
This type tends to grow and spread more quickly to other parts of your body. That means it's more likely to produce symptoms, such as:
SCLC is more likely than NSCLC to cause hypercalcemia and interfere with your adrenal glands.
If you have any of these symptoms of lung disease, especially an ongoing cough, blood-streaked mucus, wheezing, hoarseness, or a lung infection that keeps coming back, see your doctor. You'll get a thorough checkup, and you may also get X-rays or other tests.
Go immediately to the emergency room if you have any of the following:
In its early stages, lung cancer often has no symptoms. If you're coughing up mucus (especially if it's streaked with blood), have wheezing, hoarseness, chest pain, or frequent cases of bronchitis or pneumonia, these can be signs of lung cancer. Many of the symptoms of SCLS and NSCLC are the same. Those symptoms can also be signs of other illnesses. It's important to talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
How long can you have lung cancer without knowing?
Lung cancer can grow in your body for years before you start to notice symptoms.
Is cancer in the lungs curable?
Experts generally don't use the word "cured" when it comes to lung cancer. They're more likely to say you're in "remission" or that your body shows "no evidence of disease" (NED). At 5 years or more of remission or NED, your doctor might consider you cured. The earlier your cancer is found and you begin treatment, the better your outcome is likely to be. That's why experts have begun to encourage lung cancer screening for certain people at higher risk. You may want to look into the benefits of screening if you meet these requirements:
How long can you live with lung cancer?
How long you'll live depends on many factors, including:
The survival rates for lung cancer have been increasing with the development of new treatments.
11 Causes Of Chest Pain And Cough
A variety of conditions, from pneumonia to lung cancer, could cause chest pain and a cough. Some conditions may improve on their own, while others will need medical treatment.
A simple cough may be caused by the common cold, throat irritation, or allergies.
People may also develop chest pain with their cough, which could occur due to conditions that affect the lungs, like acute bronchitis and pneumonia.
To help you narrow down the exact cause, check out this list of 11 possible causes of chest pain and coughing.
Bronchitis, also referred to as a chest cold, occurs when the tubes that carry air from your trachea into your lungs become inflamed and filled with mucus.
Irritation of your bronchial tubes may cause repeated bouts of coughing. Your cough may initially be dry, then become productive. A "productive" cough means it produces mucus. This is the most common bronchitis symptom.
Acute bronchitis is temporary. Symptoms may last between 10 days and 3 weeks.
Pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in your lungs. The infection could be bacterial, viral, or fungal.
Pneumonia leads to increased pus and fluid in the lungs, which may trigger coughing. Persistent coughing, in turn, might cause chest pain.
Other symptoms of pneumonia include:
It's important to contact a doctor if you think you may have pneumonia. If left untreated, it could lead to sepsis and respiratory failure.
The pleura is the tissue that lines the outside of your lungs and inside of your chest cavity.
According to experts, three main types of pleural disorders may cause coughing and chest pain:
These disorders may be caused by:
Inflammation or fluid buildup may cause difficulty breathing and chest pain that worsens when you breathe, sneeze, or cough.
Pericarditis occurs when the sac-like tissue covering your heart, called the pericardium, becomes inflamed. It's usually caused by a virus, but may also be caused by a bacterial infection or another disease.
A common symptom is a sudden sharp pain in the middle of the chest. This may be mistaken for a heart attack. If you experience this, get immediate medical attention.
Other symptoms could also include:
Acute pericarditis may last between 1 and 3 weeks, while chronic pericarditis could last longer than 3 months.
The flu is a contagious respiratory condition that may trigger a dry, persistent cough. This may progressively become more painful and uncomfortable, leading to chest discomfort.
Other symptoms may include:
A flu-related cough may last up to 2 weeks. Chest discomfort tends to improve once the cough lessens.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term to describe progressive, chronic lung diseases. It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory asthma.
Early symptoms may include shortness of breath and a mild, recurrent cough.
As the inflammation in the lungs increases, your symptoms may worsen. This may result in a chronic cough, increased mucus production, and chest tightness.
It's important to speak with a doctor if you're experiencing symptoms of COPD.
Asthma is an inflammatory disease typically caused by inflammation or excess mucus in the lining of your airway. This narrows your airways, making it difficult to breathe.
Some people may experience a chronic cough, leading to chest pain.
That said, chest pain may also happen before or during an asthma attack. The tightness or discomfort might feel like a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain.
Acid reflux is a digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus and causes irritation.
The most common symptom is heartburn, which may cause a burning sensation in your stomach, chest, and throat.
If you experience symptoms of acid reflux more than twice per week, speak with a doctor. This may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that travels to the lungs. It could cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and a cough. A blood clot in your lungs might feel like a heart attack, and you may cough up sputum with bloody streaks.
Other symptoms may include:
Untreated pulmonary embolism could lead to lung tissue damage or be fatal. Every year, it may cause up to 100,000 deaths in the United States.
If you have a history of smoking and develop a persistent cough with chest pain, see a doctor.
Early lung cancer may not cause symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, you may develop chest tightness or pain. Shortness of breath could also lead to a chronic cough that produces blood.
It's also possible to have noncancerous lung nodules, or atypical growths in the lung. These may sometimes come into contact with your airway and cause you to cough.
Interstitial lung disease refers to several diseases that cause scarring, known as fibrosis, in the lungs. The scarring stiffens your lungs, which makes it hard to breathe. It may also cause a dry cough and chest pain.
The risk of developing interstitial lung disease may be increased by:
One single test cannot diagnose the underlying cause of a cough and chest pain.
A doctor will typically conduct a physical and medical history examination. Depending on your symptoms, the doctor may also have you undergo a few tests to look for signs of infection, inflammation, or tumors.
These tests may include:
Certain home remedies may help relieve chest discomfort by easing the cough, such as:
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication is also available to help relieve your cough.
That said, treatment for chest pain and coughing will depend on the underlying condition.
Viral infectionThere's no cure for a viral infection like the flu or viral acute bronchitis. In this case, the virus has to run its course, although OTC cold and flu medications may help relieve symptoms.
Bacterial infectionIf you have a bacterial infection, like some types of pneumonia or bronchitis, you'll need to take antibiotics. It's important to take the full course of a prescribed antibiotic to ensure full treatment of the infection.
Pleural disorders and pericarditisMedications may help treat infections, while corticosteroids might reduce inflammation.
Chronic conditionsFor chronic conditions like COPD or asthma, a doctor may recommend a therapy based on the severity of your symptoms. For example, a bronchodilator and other COPD medications might help reduce breathlessness. Or you may need to use a short-acting or long-acting inhaler for asthma.
Pulmonary embolismTreatment may involve blood thinners and a procedure to remove a large blood clot.
Lung cancerLung cancer treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy drugs, or radiation.
Interstitial lung diseaseTreatment depends on the type of disease but may include:
A nagging cough might not be concerning, but chest pain may be serious.
Contact a doctor if you have an unexplained cough that doesn't improve for more than 3 weeks, or if it's accompanied by chest pain or other symptoms like:
Coughing and chest pain may be caused by the common cold, throat irritation, or allergies. They may also be a sign of something more serious. Prompt medical assistance is advised if you experience chest pain that is sharp, sudden, or severe, chest pain that radiates to your arm, neck, or jaw, bloody mucus with your cough, weakness, dizziness, or an inability to catch your breath, and nausea, sweating, or vomiting.
Does your chest hurt when you have COVID-19?Chest pain is possible with COVID-19, but not everyone experiences the same symptoms or with the same intensity. The virus that causes COVID-19 may induce inflammation in the lungs and injury to the heart in some people. In these cases, it's possible to develop a cough, shortness of breath, and a burning sensation in the chest and lungs.
Other common symptoms may include fever, loss of taste or smell, and fatigue.
If you experience a persistent cough and chest pain that won't go away, medical assistance is advised.
What are the symptoms of bronchitis?A dry cough that develops into a cough with mucus is a common symptom of bronchitis. Other symptoms may include nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, low energy, and chest congestion. Only a healthcare professional can provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
What causes chest pain and coughing?Chest pain (or pressure) and coughing may result from bronchitis, pneumonia, the flu, chronic conditions of the lungs, asthma, acid reflux, cancer, and inflammation in the covering of your heart, among others. If you experience cough and chest pain that doesn't improve in a few days or that happens with fever and difficulty breathing, prompt medical assistance is highly advised.
A variety of conditions may trigger a cough with chest pain, so it's often difficult to pinpoint the underlying cause.
If your symptoms are persistent or worsen, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, speak with a doctor. They may be able to diagnose the underlying cause and help build a proper treatment plan for you.
Symptoms Of Female Bladder Cancer You Should Look Out For
The symptoms of female bladder cancer are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. It's important to consult a healthcare professional as soon as you notice unexpected changes to vaginal bleeding or other unusual symptoms.
The American Cancer Society estimates that new cases of bladder cancer will affect around 62,420 men and 19,870 women in 2023.
Because female bladder cancer is less common, it's possible to miss the early signs. This often results in a late diagnosis of bladder cancer when survival is less likely.
According to 2019 research, females with bladder cancer tend to have more aggressive tumors and poorer outcomes than their male counterparts.
As with many types of cancer, an early diagnosis is key to improving your outlook. This can entail knowing which symptoms to look for.
Read on to learn more about the symptoms of bladder cancer and when to see a healthcare professional.
Unlike breast cancer, there's no standard screening test for bladder cancer. For that reason, it's especially important to know the early symptoms of this condition and to bring them to a healthcare professional's attention.
Blood in your urine (hematuria)Blood in your urine (hematuria) is the most common symptom of female bladder cancer. But it can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Hematuria may also result from sexual activity, especially if you have vaginal dryness. If you haven't gone through menopause, you may assume that blood in your urine is because of your period or breakthrough bleeding.
No matter what you think may be causing blood in your urine, don't overlook this symptom.
According to 2016 research, clinicians are more likely to diagnose females with hematuria with a UTI. This means clinicians are less likely to refer females to a urologist or another specialist who can test for bladder cancer.
If you see blood in your urine consistently or often, be sure to take it seriously. Let a healthcare professional know about your concerns and advocate for yourself.
Blood may make your urine look red, pink, or brown. You may also see spots of blood on toilet paper after wiping. However, microscopic amounts of blood may not always be visible.
If you're at higher risk of bladder cancer, talk with a doctor about getting regular urine tests as a failsafe.
Pain or discomfort during urinationPainful urination (dysuria) or trouble urinating can be early symptoms of bladder cancer. You may also have a burning or irritating sensation when you urinate.
As with hematuria, these symptoms are more likely caused by other conditions, including bladder infections.
Urgent or frequent urinationIn addition to unusual sensations during urination, you may find that your urinary habits have changed.
Having to urinate more often can be an early symptom of bladder cancer. Sometimes, the need to go to the bathroom may wake you up several times a night.
You may also feel an urgency to go, even if your bladder isn't full. Difficulty with urination or having a weak urine stream may also occur.
Undiagnosed and untreated bladder cancer may advance, causing additional symptoms. Many of these result from the original tumor getting larger.
As bladder cancer progresses, it penetrates the bladder lining and the surrounding layers of muscle and tissue. If the cancer continues metastasizing (spread), it may cause symptoms in nearby or faraway organs and tissues.
Localized painPain in the pelvis, lower back, or flank can result from a growing tumor that puts pressure on your bladder or nearby internal organs.
If the tumor becomes large enough to block a ureter, you may experience lower back or flank pain on one side. Flanks extend from your upper abdomen to your back along both sides of the body. The ureters connect your kidneys to your bladder.
With this type of pain, you may also have trouble voiding urine.
Pain in other areas of your bodyAdvanced bladder cancer may spread to these areas of the body:
As cancer metastasizes, it may infiltrate bones throughout your body. This can result in bone pain or tenderness at night or during activity. Your bones may also be more susceptible to breakage.
Cancer that has spread to your lungs may cause chest pain. It may also make it hard for you to breathe, cause a chronic cough, or cause your voice to sound different.
Cancer that has spread to your abdomen or liver may cause stomach pain.
Swollen feet (edema)If bladder cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, your lower extremities may become swollen. Your lymph nodes help flush fluids out of the body. If the lymph nodes become swollen, fluids build up and become trapped in tissues.
In addition to swollen feet, cancer in the lymph nodes may sometimes cause night sweats.
Generalized symptomsAs bladder cancer progresses, you may experience overall symptoms that include:
It's important to be proactive if you have early signs and symptoms of this disease. An early diagnosis can greatly improve your outlook.
Because female bladder cancer is less common, a healthcare professional may take a conservative approach. In many instances, bladder cancer symptoms in people with female anatomy do turn out to be other conditions. Still, you may prefer to be cautious.
If you're uncomfortable with the advice you get from a clinician, consider getting a second opinion. This may be especially important if you have risk factors for bladder cancer.
How long can you have bladder cancer and not know?From when cell changes begin to when a tumor starts to cause symptoms, it can take months or years, depending on the cancer and how fast it grows.
However, 84% of cases are diagnosed before cancer has spread beyond the bladder, according to the National Cancer Institute.
What are the five warning signs of bladder cancer?The five primary warning signs or symptoms of bladder cancer are:
The first signs of female bladder cancer are similar to those of male bladder cancer, including blood in the urine and other urinary changes.
However, people who menstruate often ignore blood in their urine because they associate it with menstrual bleeding or postmenopausal spotting.
In addition, other common symptoms of bladder cancer, such as a frequent need to urinate or painful urination, may be misdiagnosed as a urinary tract infection.
If symptoms of a bladder infection do not disappear after a course of antibiotics, be sure to return to your doctor for further evaluation.
The most common early symptoms of bladder cancer are blood in your urine and changes to urinary habits. If you experience these with pain or swelling in other parts of your body, it may suggest more advanced cancer.
If you have these or other symptoms, let a healthcare professional know immediately. Bladder cancer is treatable. When caught early, it's often curable.
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