Signs Your Lung Cancer Has Advanced
During the advanced stages of lung cancer, there are physical changes in the body as well as the emotional turmoil that you and your family may feel when your cancer progresses. What signs and symptoms should you be on the lookout for that it has progressed? Continue reading to find out.
Fatigue is sign lung cancer has advanced
Most people with advanced cancer feel extremely tired – physically, mentally, and emotionally, according to the American Cancer Society. Fighting cancer is hard work, and it is draining. Although you often rest, you find it doesn’t help your fatigue. Make sure you are getting enough rest, being active when possible, and managing symptoms that may be contributing to your fatigue, such as pain, nausea, or constipation.
Cough that won’t go away could be an issue
Coughing endlessly often accompanies advanced lung cancer, according to the British Lung Foundation. Talk to your doctor about medications that can help reduce the coughing. Try to sit upright, supported by pillows, to alleviate some of the coughing.
Shortness of breath could indicate spread of lung cancer
Feeling increasingly out of breath is a common symptom of advanced lung cancer, according to the British Lung Foundation. Your lungs are becoming less effective. Simple activities, even changing position or talking, can leave you feeling short of breath.
Loss of appetite could mean your lung cancer has metastasized
You may find you lose your appetite during the advanced stage of lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. This is a sign of your body slowing down. You might notice that food doesn’t smell or taste good or you may be nauseas. You'll probably lose weight. There are medications that can stimulate your appetite, so talk with your doctor if you no longer want to eat.
Pain symptom of advanced lung cancer
In the advanced stages of lung cancer, you may experience pain, according to the National Cancer Institute. Most doctors will prescribe pain medicine to help reduce discomfort and allow you to rest comfortably.
Hoarse voice could be indication of advanced lung cancer
Some people with advanced lung cancer develop a hoarse voice. It may be caused by the cancer pressing against a nerve, which can paralyze your vocal cords, according to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Treatments such as steroids, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy can help to reduce the size of the cancer and therefore reduce the hoarseness.
Difficulty swallowing could be another sign of lung cancer advancement
Difficulty swallowing can be caused by the cancer itself or it can be a side effect of cancer treatments, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. To best determine how to treat it, your medical team needs to determine the cause. You may need to change what you eat, such as switching to mostly fluids or eating small bites.
Changes in the shape of your fingers and nails possible symptom
Some people experience hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy, which causes swelling of the ends of the fingers, spoon-shaped nails and inflammation in the hands, fingers, knees, and ankles. Your doctor may suggest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Edema potential symptom of advanced lung cancer
Edema, or fluid retention, can be a symptoms of advanced lung cancer, according to the British Lung Foundation. This can be treated with diuretics, which help reduce swelling.
Other symptoms of lung cancer spread
You may have additional symptoms, depending on where the cancer has spread, according to Cancer Treatment Centers of America:
- Bones – bone pain, fractures, constipation, decreased alertness.
- Liver – nausea, extreme fatigue, increased abdominal girth, swelling of feet and hands, yellowing or itchy skin.
- Brain or spinal cord – headache, blurred or double vision, difficulty with speech, seizures.
