The symptoms of lung cancer usually develop as the disease progresses. It can be asymptomatic for years, so it is important to identify early signs of the disease.
The main symptom of lung cancer is coughing up blood, although it is a symptom of an advanced disease. Sometimes signs may appear in other areas of the body, including the eyes.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often starts in the bronchi, then grows rapidly and spreads to other parts of the body. In some cases, malignant lung tumors can cause nerve damage.
Horner's syndrome is a specific set of symptoms associated with nerve damage, experts at the Cancer Treatment Center said. This syndrome is characterized by ptosis (sagging of the upper eyelid), miosis (pupil diminution) and enophthalmos (when the eyeball falls into the orbit). Symptoms often affect one side of the face.
Metastatic lung cancer can also cause symptoms that affect the eyes. This type of lung cancer occurs when malignant cells separate from the tumor and travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
If the brain or spinal cord is affected, blurry or double vision may appear in the eyes. Possible headache, difficulty speaking, or seizures.
Main symptoms of lung cancer:
- cough does not go away after 2 or 3 weeks
- persistent cough gets worse
- chest infections that come back
- coughing up blood
- pain when breathing or coughing
- persistent shortness of breath
- persistent fatigue
- loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss
Less common symptoms include:
- changes in the appearance of the fingers (thickening at the tips)
- difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- hoarse voice
- swelling of the face or neck
- persistent chest or shoulder pain
One of the best ways to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking if you are a smoker. In addition, a low-fat, high-fiber diet may reduce the risk of developing cancer. Regular exercise also increases the chances of staying healthy.
Read also: How to reduce the risk of developing cancer in 5 minutes.
Lung cancer: you can identify the disease by two symptoms in the eyes
Related: Alcohol-related fatty liver disease: six early symptoms .
Important! Information provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first sign of illness, consult a doctor.