Lung Cancer In Women
The most common type of lung cancer that women develop is called adenocarcinoma. This form of lung cancer generally tends to spread on the outer part of the lungs, which may explain why symptoms are less obvious than other types of lung cancer. In many cases, adenocarcinoma tumors can become large and spread throughout the body before they are detected, making catching this type of cancer early critical. Early symptoms of adenocarcinoma include:
- Fatigue
- Back and shoulder pain
- Shortness of breath when exercising
If the cancer grows, then symptoms may include:
- Persistent cough
- Pain in chest, shoulders, and back
- Increased mucus and a change in color
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarse voice
- Harsh sound when breathing (medically referred to as stridor)
- Coughing up mucus or phlegm tinged with blood
- Coughing up blood
Since this form of lung cancer is generally difficult to detect, it can often spread to other parts of the body and may only be noticed when it reaches its most advanced stages. When lung cancer spreads in this manner, symptoms can be felt in many different parts of the body. The most common parts of the body (other than the lungs) that lung cancer affects include lymph nodes, bones, brain, liver, and adrenal glands. This can cause a variety of symptoms, among which include:
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of muscle mass
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Bone or joint pain
- Bone fractures not caused by an accidental injury
- Memory loss
- Swelling in the face and/or neck
- Blood clots
Lung Cancer In Men
Men are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinomas, otherwise known as non-small cell lung cancer. This type of lung cancer generally develops in the central part of the lungs, near the main airway (bronchus). This results in an obstruction of air, which can lead to symptoms that may be more obviously related to lung cancer compared to the type most commonly experienced by women (adenocarcinoma). Some of these symptoms include:
- Chronic cough
- Wheezing
- Repeatedly experiencing lung infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis
Although symptoms of lung cancer in men generally tend to obstruct the airway more than lung cancer in women, many studies suggest that men overlook these symptoms more often than women due to lifestyle habits such as smoking. It is important never to overlook any warning signs that your body is giving you and to reduce your risk of lung cancer at all costs, including quitting smoking if you haven’t already.
Keep Reading: 5 Signs of Bowel Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore in the New Year
Sources
- “Symptoms of Lung Cancer in Women.” Very Well Health. Lynne Eldridge, MD. January 10, 2022.
- “What Are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?” CDC
- “The 20 Most Ignored Cancer Symptoms in Women and Men.” Prevention. February 1, 2023.
