Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men and women (after prostate for men and breast for women). Men and women suffer from different lung cancer types so its symptoms and warning signs wary, so it is very important to look for symptoms specific for your sex.

Lung cancer in women

This type of cancer is called adenocarcinoma and it spreads on the outer part of the lungs. The symptoms are less obvious than in the other types of lung cancer. The tumor can become large in many cases and it can spread throughout the body before being detected.

Some of the early symptoms are:

• Back and shoulder pain;
• Shortness of breath while exercising;
• Once the cancer grows the following symptoms appear:
• Increased mucus and change in color;
• Chest, shoulder, and back pain;
• Persistent cough;
• Coughing blood;
• Coughing up phlegm or mucus with blood;
• Harsh sound while breathing;
• Shortness of breath.

This type of cancer is really hard to detect. It spreads to other body parts and it may be noticed only when it reaches the most advanced stages. The symptoms can be felt in different body parts like bones, liver, lymph nodes, and the adrenal glands once it is spread in such a manner and cause some other symptoms like:

 

• Headaches;
• Fatigue;
• Loss of muscle mass;
• Appetite loss and unexplained weight loss;
• Blood clots;
• Neck or face swelling;
• Loss of memory;
• Bone fractures that are not caused by accidental injury;
• Joint or bone pain.

Lung cancer in men

Squamous cell carcinomas developed in men are known as non-small cell lung cancer. It develops in the central part of the lungs, near the main airway (bronchus), resulting in obstruction of air and leading to symptoms related obviously to lung cancer compared to the most commonly experienced by women.

These are some of the symptoms:

• Wheezing;
• Repeated lung infections like bronchitis or pneumonia;
• Chronic cough.

Symptoms common of lung cancer in men obstruct the airway more than the condition in women, but according to many studies, men overlook the symptoms because of their smoking habits.

It is highly significant not to overlook the warning signs even though the symptoms of lung cancer may seem obvious. It is also very important to reduce the risks of lung cancer at all costs and unfortunately for some addictive smokers, this includes smoking, too.

All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.