Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer for both genders. The symptoms and warning signs are different for men and women, which is why you need to learn how to recognize them.
Female lung cancer
Lung cancer in women is known as adenocarcinoma and spreads on the outer layer of the lungs. This makes the symptoms hard to detect, and more often than not, the tumor on the lungs grows big before it is noticed. The main early symptoms are back and shoulder pain, as well as shortness of breath during physical activities.
Here are the other symptoms you should pay attention to:
- Increase mucus and a change in color;
- Coughing blood;
- Persistent cough;
- Coughing up phlegm or blood;
- Harsh sound while breathing.
Adenocarcinoma is not easy to detect and can spread to other parts of the body quickly. It is often noticed too late, and can spread to the bones, liver, lymph nodes and adrenal glands, where it causes symptoms such as loss of muscle mass, headaches, fatigue, appetite loss, sudden weight loss, blood clots, neck and face swelling, joint and bone pain, bone fractures and loss of memory.
Male lung cancer
Men suffer from a type of lung cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer develops in the central part of the lungs near the bronchus and can cause obstructions in the airways. This leads to symptoms such as wheezing, chronic cough and recurring lung infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
The symptoms in men are more pronounced, but smokers often overlook them. Noticing the early signs of lung cancer is very important and increases your chances of survival. Don’t mistake them for something else as lung cancer is a highly fatal disease.
