Early Symptoms of Central Lung Cancer: Analyzing Three Early Symptoms of Central Lung Cancer
Central lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, and it includes subtypes such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and small cell lung cancer. Once diagnosed, patients with central lung cancer may experience symptoms such as coughing, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), and chest pain early on, significantly impacting their well-being. Early detection calls for prompt intervention, whether through radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, or targeted drug therapy.
Central lung cancer is a prevalent disease influenced by various factors like smoking, air pollution, genetics, and ionizing radiation. Originating mainly from the bronchi in lung segments and above, it constitutes approximately 60-70% of lung cancers and accounts for 15-35% in surgically treated lung cancers. Early symptoms manifest in various ways for patients with this disease. Let’s explore the early symptoms of central lung cancer.
- Coughing
One of the primary symptoms of this disease is a persistent and irritating dry cough that is difficult to control with medication. Typically, there is little or no phlegm production, and any phlegm present may have a foamy appearance. This cough can resemble the cough associated with common colds, making it essential for patients to be vigilant when such symptoms arise and seek timely medical examinations.
- Hemoptysis (Coughing Up Blood)
Patients with central lung cancer may experience hemoptysis, where they cough up small amounts of blood or have blood-tinged phlegm. If the tumor invades major blood vessels, it can lead to significant bleeding, and in advanced stages, patients may even cough up blood clots.
- Chest Pain
Patients may also suffer from chest pain, which is not typically severe but manifests as irregular or dull pain in the chest. Pain may intensify during coughing. Additionally, some patients may experience chest tightness, which is often related to tumor-induced bronchial constriction or compression of major airways.
Moreover, patients may exhibit symptoms such as shortness of breath or wheezing, which can be attributed to the growth of the tumor into the trachea or bronchi, causing partial airway obstruction.
In summary, early-stage patients with central lung cancer may present symptoms such as hemoptysis, chest pain, and coughing. When these symptoms arise, it is advisable for patients to promptly undergo various examinations, including blood tests, liver and kidney function tests, chest X-rays, CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Based on these results, patients can then choose the most suitable treatment plan. Generally, the treatment principle is aimed at curing or maximizing control of tumor growth, thereby improving the patient’s survival rate.
