Signs of Lung Cancer in Man to be Diagnosed

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and the fourth most commonly diagnosed disease in the United States, despite the fact that many people are unaware of it. To make matters worse, it is now one of the most dangerous and deadly types of cancer, with almost 160,000 Americans dying from it every year. Notably, 90% of these deaths are caused by metastasis (or spreading) to another part of the body rather than the primary tumor. So let’s talk about the signs of lung cancer in man and how it might be diagnosed.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs or the tissue lining the lungs, called the pleura. There are two main types of lung cancer. One is small cell lung cancer and another is non-small cell lung cancer, and both can be in the early stages. Lung cancer can spread beyond the lungs. Smoking and industrial pollution are the main causes of lung cancer. Diabetes mellitus also reduces the immune system of the body, which leads to chronic diseases like lung cancer.

Signs of lung cancer in man

Lung cancer symptoms can be vague and hard to pin down, which often leads to a late diagnosis. The sooner you are diagnosed, the better your treatment options will be. Knowing the signs of lung cancer in man can help you get to the doctor as soon as possible so that you can receive treatment without delay. You can primarily diagnose lung cancer by understanding its signs and symptoms.

1. Cough

Coughing for an extended period of time? There are many times when it gets cold. But in the case of lung cancer, coughing is seen without any reason and for a long time. The problem of coughing persists for almost a year.

2. Shortness of breath

Difficulty in breathing increases the risk of lung cancer. Because of this disease, the respiratory tract also starts to close, which leads to shortness of breath.

3. Hoarseness of voice

Hoarseness of voice is also known as dysphonia. In this case, your voice may sound raspy, strained, or breathy. If lung cancer continues to grow, its effects can be felt at various levels for a couple of months. 

4. Pain in the body

In the case of any type of cancer, pain in specific areas of the body is a major indicator that the disease has progressed. In the case of lung cancer, there is more pain, especially around the chest, back, and shoulders.

5. Fatigue:

Fatigue is one of the symptoms of cancer. But in the case of lung cancer, the problem is exacerbated. Because it is difficult to breathe, the level of oxygen in the body’s tissues is likely to fall and oxygen saturation will fall. And that is why fatigue also increases.

How lung cancer is diagnosed?

Lung cancer is diagnosed by a doctor after listening to the signs of lung cancer in man you are suffering, with the help of some physical and clinical examination based on your body condition.

Chest X-ray

A chest x-ray is the most common imaging test used to diagnose lung cancer and help determine its stage. This effectively takes painless pictures of the lungs using limited radiation. Although an x-ray cannot tell you for certain if you have lung cancer, it is one of the best tools doctors have for identifying potential growths or abnormalities in your lungs. It may also help with the diagnosis of other conditions such as pneumonia, blood clots, and asthma. So, if you’re facing the symptoms explained above, the doctor may recommend an x-ray to ensure it’s not something else, such as pneumonia.

Blood examination

A chest x-ray or a CT scan can also be used to diagnose lung cancer, but for most cases, doctors rely on a blood examination to spot the disease. A blood examination looks for specific molecules released when cancer starts up. The main test used to detect lung cancer early is an annual high-resolution CT scan (HRCT). Doctors will also conduct pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to check how well your lungs are working and CT scans of your brain if they suspect you have metastatic disease (cancer that has spread beyond your lungs). These tests help determine your risk of developing more serious health problems.

CT scans

Doctors typically start with a CT scan of your chest to look for lung cancer. X-rays allow us to see through your body, allowing us to observe a tumor’s size and location. But the main test used to detect lung cancer early is an annual high-resolution CT scan (HRCT). If the suspicion is high that you have lung cancer, the doctor will likely proceed with further diagnostic tests: PET scans or biopsies.

Pulmonary function test (PFT)

A pulmonary function test (PFT) measures how well your lungs work. It is used to diagnose lung disease and is sometimes used as part of a routine checkup. A technician at a hospital or clinic places an airtight plastic mask over your nose and mouth. She/he then pumps air into your lungs through the mask and measures how much you exhale.

PET scan

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of diagnostic imaging test. A small amount of radioactive material (Tracer) is injected into your vein. The tracer is carried by your blood to organs and tissues throughout your body. Sensors positioned around you monitor radioactivity and create images based on their readings. Many doctors consider PET scans to be more accurate than other tests for lung cancer because they can identify cancer cells anywhere in your body—not just those near the lungs, where it’s easier to feel lumps or see signs of change on an x-ray image. Doctors use PET scans to look for lung cancer when symptoms are vague or inconclusive or if tumors are found on an x-ray image after surgery.

Bronchoscopy

The first step in diagnosing lung cancer is performing a bronchoscopy. Using an endoscope, which looks like a telescope, lung specialists will insert a small camera into your airway and take high-definition images of your lungs. This can reveal irregularities, such as nodules, which are commonly found in early-stage lung cancer patients. Early detection is key to survival, so people with lung cancer are often encouraged to undergo regular bronchoscopies over time to monitor their condition.

Biopsy

When a doctor suspects lung cancer, he will likely recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. By performing a biopsy, the doctor can take tissue samples from suspicious areas of the lungs or obtain cells from fluid collected from inside your airways via suction. Later, the sample will be analyzed. Though there are various ways to diagnose lung cancer, these tests are considered some of the most accurate.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to make pictures of body organs and structures. An MRI scan uses powerful magnets to produce images of internal organs, like your lungs. Because they can identify specific conditions within your lungs without exposing you to harmful radiation, these scans are frequently used to diagnose lung cancer.

Exploratory Thoracotomy

A doctor will open your chest cavity to manually investigate your lungs during an exploratory thoracotomy. This procedure can be done in the OT room. If you are experiencing signs of lung cancer, an exploratory thoracotomy may be recommended. During surgery, doctors check for any abnormal growth and determine if treatment is necessary.

Conclusions

By knowing the signs of lung cancer in man, you can be careful about yourself and your family. If you find any complications relating to lung cancer, go to a doctor and consult with him as soon as possible to be early diagnosed.