Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Facts: Screening, Signs and Symptoms
Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Screening
It is difficult to screen (or test) for early lung cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). So far most available screening tests have not shown promise in detecting early lung cancers and reducing the risk of death due to lung cancers. Because of this, many doctors do not offer routine screening for lung cancers.
One screening test, called a spiral CT (computed tomography) scan, has successfully detected lung cancers early in people who smoke or who have smoked in the past. However, this method of screening for lung cancer has not yet proven to reduce the risk of death due to lung cancers. In addition, it tends to find lung abnormalities that are not cancerous, which may lead to unnecessary tests and even surgeries.
An ongoing clinical trial (also called study) called the National Lung Screening Trial is testing the benefits of spiral CT scanning in people at high risk of lung cancers. The study results should help researchers determine if spiral CT scanning can catch lung cancers early enough to reduce the risk of death due to lung cancers. To learn more about the positives and negatives of spiral CT scanning, talk to your healthcare provider.
Since it is difficult to screen for early lung cancers, it is very important to Reduce Your Risk Factors of lung cancer and learn to recognize signs and symptoms of lung cancer so you can get proper treatment as soon as possible.
Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Lung cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer, often do not produce sign and symptoms until the cancers have grown and spread. However, sometimes people do experience symptoms in early-stage lung cancers. Recognizing possible signs and symptoms of lung cancer as soon as possible may help you get proper treatment before the cancer progresses.
According to the American Cancer Society, common signs and symptoms of lung cancers may include the following:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain that usually hurts more with deep breaths, coughing or laughing
- Becoming hoarse
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Having bloody or rusty colored phlegm or spit
- Feeling short of breath
- Wheezing
- Getting recurrent infections like pneumonia or bronchitis
In addition to the above signs and symptoms, non-small-cell lung cancers also may produce the following symptoms:
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Weakness
- Confusion or dizziness
- Painful, abnormal growth of bones (like in the finger tips)
- Abnormal breast growth in men
- Blood clots
When lung cancers have already spread, or metastasized, the following symptoms may occur:
- Pain in the bones
- Headache or dizziness
- Numbness or weakness in limbs
- Seizures
- Yellowing of eyes and skin
- Skin-surface masses in the neck or collarbone area, caused by the lung cancer spreading to the skin or lymph nodes
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately. These symptoms may indicate lung cancer, or they may be caused by noncancerous conditions related to the lungs or other organs.
Learn more non-small-cell lung cancer facts on our Lung Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment Options page
