What does lung cancer do to your body?

Like most cancers, lung cancer starts locally; in this case, in the lungs and then affecting the respiratory system. In the later stages, lung cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Here is what lung cancer can do to your body.

RESPIRATORY ISSUES

Lung cancer causes people to suffer shortness of breath due to their inability to harvest the oxygen they draw in. Lung cancer can also cause fluid to collect in and around the lungs, making breathing difficult. In the very early stages of lung cancer, there may be persistent bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia that get worse and linger longer as time passes.

DEEP, HACKING COUGH OR HOARSENESS

A lingering, hacking cough or hoarseness can be a sign of lung cancer. Blood-tinged or colored mucus is also quite common and may indicate that tumors have developed in the airways. Excessive or aggressive coughing can also result in chest pain.

CIRCULATORY AND CARDIOVASCULAR CONCERNS

Lung cancer increases your risk of developing blood clots that can result in pulmonary embolisms. In rare cases, lung cancer can spread to the tissue that surrounds the heart.

PHYSICAL MANIFESTATIONS

Smaller pupils often are a sign or indication of lung cancer; the same may be said of drooping eyelids. Swelling within the lymph nodes, which can be seen or felt around the neck, collarbone and/or armpit, may mean your lung cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes. Lung cancer can make you feel weak or fatigued, as well as cause dizziness. Those who have lung cancer often report a poor appetite, despite that they may be losing weight.

WHO GETS LUNG CANCER?

Most people assume that only smokers or those who are exposed to second-hand smoke are at risk of developing lung cancer. However, exposure to environmental factors – both in the home and workplace – such as radon, diesel exhaust, arsenic in drinking water and radiation therapy for certain diseases can also increase the risk of developing lung cancer. There is a familial component, too, as many times the disease may run in the same households, however, there is debate as to whether this is due to genetics or shared exposure based on environmental exposures.

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER – JAMES CARE

If you live in Ohio and are seeking world-class cancer care for yourself or someone you care about, Wooster Community Hospital recently affiliated with the world-renown Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC–James). This partnership, which began in 2013, continues to offer effective treatments and compassionate care for cancer patients and their families – through diagnosis and treatment, and during recovery.

If you are seeking treatment for lung or any other type of cancer, call Wooster Community Hospital today at (330) 262-2800 and ask about our comprehensive cancer care, or call (330) 263-8144 and ask about our other health and wellness services.