Al-Marsad Newspaper: Medical reports indicate that lung cancer is the first leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.
Smokers are most likely to develop lung cancer, although the disease can also affect those who have never smoked.
Clinical oncologist Dr. Neil Byman explained that there are two main types of lung cancer. The first is non-small cell lung cancer, which is the most common type and accounts for 90% of cases.
Non-small cell lung cancers include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma.
The second type is known as small cell lung cancer, which can account for 10% or more of cases.
Clubbing of the fingers
Signs of lung cancer can include ‘clumping of the fingers’ on the right hand, says Macmillan Cancer Support.
Clubbing of the fingers is described as “the tips of the fingers becoming more curved or enlarged.” The ends of the tips of the fingers can swell in either hand, but they most often occur in the right hand.
Changes in the nail tend to occur in stages, as the base of the nail becomes smooth and the skin next to the nail bed becomes shiny before the nails begin to curve more than usual.
Another “less common” sign of lung cancer may include “shoulder pain radiating down the arm.”
More commonly, symptoms of lung cancer may look like this:
Cough for three or more weeks
A chest infection that doesn’t get better, or frequent chest infections
Feeling short of breath and wheezing for no reason
Coughing up blood
Chest or shoulder pain that does not get better
A hoarse voice for three weeks or more
– Anorexia
Weight loss for no apparent reason
Feeling tired