What Are The Symptoms of Asbestos Lung Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, symptoms of asbestos lung cancer symptoms include:

• Coughing that either persists or gets worse
• Coughing up blood or having rust-colored spit or phlegm
• Chest pain that worsens when breathing, coughing, or laughing
• Hoarse voice
• Loss of weight and appetite
• Feeling tired or weak
• Shortness of breath
• Infections (pneumonia, bronchitis) that do not go away
• Onset of wheezing

Importance of Early Detection

It is typical for lung cancer to not present symptoms until cancer cells have already begun to spread. For this reason, it is especially important for you to be vigilant in your detection of any symptoms. If you note the above symptoms, see a doctor and ask to be screened for lung cancer. With an early diagnosis comes early treatment, and the earlier you receive treatment, the better your chances for recovery.

Signs that Your Lung Cancer has Spread to Other Organs

Lung cancer can spread to other organs in your body. Depending upon the organ to which the cancer spreads, you will not experience specific symptoms. The following are common symptoms of asbestos lung cancer that would indicate the disease has spread:

• If you detect lumps around the surface of your body, it is possible that lung cancer has spread to your skin or lymph nodes (in your neck or above your collarbone).
• If you begin to experience numbness in your arm or leg, seizures, headaches, or dizziness, these symptoms denote alterations in your nervous system, and it is possible that lung cancer has spread to your brain or spinal cord.
• If you notice a yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice), it may be that lung cancer has spread to your liver.
• Some lung cancer patients also feel bone pain, such as in their back or hips.

Syndromes Connected with Lung Cancer

When cancer symptoms group together in specific collections, the resulting groups are called syndromes. As with the above symptoms, the following syndromes relate to the area of the body affected by the symptoms:

• Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome– This syndrome develops as the result of lung cancers occurring in the top area of your right lung. The cancer presses on the superior vena cava, a large vein that transports blood from the head and arms to the heart. This can cause blood to build up within the vein, causing swelling. You may begin to note swelling in your arms, neck, face, and/or upper chest. You may also experience headaches, dizziness, and changes in consciousness. SVC symptoms can prove to be life-threatening.
• Paraneoplastic syndromes – If your lung cancer creates hormone-like substances, which some lung cancers do, they can pass through your bloodstream to distant tissues and organs. The resulting complications are called paraneoplastic syndromes.
• Horner syndrome – This syndrome occurs when lung cancers manifests as Pancoast tumors at the top area of your lungs, causing changes in the nerves that go to part of the face and eye. Symptoms in Horner syndrome include one eyelid that droops or is weak, the pupil in the same eye appearing smaller, absence or reduction in sweating on the same side of the face, and possible shoulder pain.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Victims Can Seek Compensation

If you were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with lung cancer, you may be able to receive compensation for your illness, medical expenses and treatment, pain and suffering, lost wages and benefits, and several other damages.

The asbestos lung cancer lawyers at Zanes Law will do everything from A to Z to recover the damages you deserve. Call us today to sue for lung cancer caused by asbestos at 866-499-8989 for a free consultation and case review.