People assume that lung cancer symptoms are related only to the lungs and complications related to breathing. Here are a few surprising symptoms that don’t involve the lungs at all.
Nail Clubbing
Clubbing of the nails occurs when nails bulge or curve. The ends of your fingers or toes may bulge and nails may not feel firmly attached. Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of clubbing. This condition occurs because of reduced oxygen in the bloodstream.
Vocal changes or hoarse voice
Changes in your voice like hoarseness that aren’t because of obvious symptoms are common in advanced cases of lung cancer and are sometimes caused by infections. Having some difficulty producing sounds may also be an early sign of lung cancer.
Arm weakness
Pain in your arm or shoulder without an injury could be a cause for concern. Pancoast tumors sometimes develop at the top of the lung and can compress nerves that lead to your shoulder and arm. Shoulder pain may also be sudden and intense or persistent with no obvious cause.Extreme thirst or frequent urination
Some cancers can produce hormone-like substances that cause certain symptoms in the body. One of the symptoms is an increase of calcium in the blood which causes excessive thirst and frequent urination.
Upper body swelling or bruising
Tumors pressing on the vena cava vein can lead to blood pooling in the veins. This leads to swelling in the upper arms, chest, and neck. A puffy face may also be a symptom. This swelling is sometimes accompanied by blue or red-tinted skin.
Quitting smoking is suddenly easy
Usually, most people who begin smoking have difficulty quitting. Some patients end up quitting before even getting a lung cancer diagnosis. Many patients of lung cancer suddenly find quitting easy. This is likely caused by changes in the body related to cancer.
Horner syndrome
Horner Syndrome is usually caused when tumors affect the nerves leading to the eye or the face. Some symptoms include:
- Drooping or weakness of an eyelid
- A small pupil
- Reduced sweating on the same side of the face as the affected eye
Stomach issues
Lung cancer can sometimes cause the body to produce hormone-like substances that change the way your body works. A few cancer patients develop too much calcium in the blood, leading to nausea, belly pain, and constipation.
Fatigue and dizziness
Many reasons can cause consistent fatigue and occasional dizziness, anemia being one of them. The compression of the superior vena cava can affect the brain, causing dizziness or light-headedness.