Awareness Saves Lives Lung cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the lungs. Like other cancers, as the disease develops, tumors are formed. As the disease progresses, it has the potential to spread to other regions of the body. Lung cancer is an umbrella term referring to several different cancers in the lung, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLCs start in lung tissue. It is comprised of three specific diseases: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas. SCLCs are a rarer form, originating in the bronchi. They are similar in symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors. SCLCs tend to be more aggressive than NSCLCs. When cancer is more “aggressive”, it means that the growth of the cancer cells is more rapid. Rapid progression of cancer means that tumors grow faster and spread to other parts of the body more quickly, meaning the time window for “effective” treatment is smaller and the prognosis is poorer than non-aggressive cancers. Getting a Diagnosis Anyone can get lung cancer. This is no population of people that have absolute immunity from the disease. That being said, certain groups of people are more likely to contract lung cancer than others. [youmaylike] Generally, lung cancer is found in older people over the age of 65. Some lifestyle choices, such as smoking tobacco, can increase the risk of getting a diagnosis. Remember, just are there are no populations that are immune to developing cancer, but there are plenty of “at-risk” individuals who will never develop it. This does not mean you should ignore warnings over certain activities, such as smoking, just because you can think of someone who was an exception to the rule. Early Signs of Lung Cancer When it comes to cancer, one of the most important things you can do is get an early diagnosis. Early detection will put you in a better position in terms of treatment. Catching the disease before it gets the chance to travel to other parts of the body will make it easier to treat. If it does not spread, physicians can concentrate treatment techniques on specific areas, which can drastically increase your chances of beating it. The main problem that makes cancer so deadly is that you often do not notice until it is too late. Oftentimes, the early signs of disease are easy to overlook. Unfortunately, lung cancer normally does not cause any noticeable symptoms until later on. If you are demographically vulnerable to developing lung cancer, consider paying special attention to these early warning signs: Chronic cough, with no apparent cause. Coughing up blood; you may notice spotting on tissues. Chest, back, or shoulder pain, especially when you take deep breaths or laugh. Inappropriate shortness of breath, which may happen when doing non-strenuous, daily activities that should not cause any breathing problems. Weight and appetite loss, with no apparent cause. Fatigue or feelings of weakness with no known cause. Hoarseness, or having a raspy voice, can be a sign of respiratory problems. Wheezing, even during regular breathing. Chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. Any persistent respiratory infection should be brought to the attention of your physician. As lung cancer advances, the severity of symptoms will worsen for most patients. Advanced Symptoms of Lung Cancer In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, other signs of cancer may manifest after the disease has had time to progress. These symptoms will arise in response to the fact that the disease has entered other parts of the body. How you experience these symptoms will depend heavily on where the cancer spreads to. Bone pain: Can occur anywhere in the body but likely in the hip or the back. Jaundice: The yellowing of skin and eyes is a sign the liver has been disrupted by something. Disturbances to the nervous system: When cancer spreads to the brain, it can cause many different symptoms. These symptoms can include things such as persistent headaches, fatigue, numbness, lightheadedness, seizures, and sudden problems with balancing. When to See a Doctor You should always discuss any major changes in your bodily functions with your doctor. It is impossible to know whether or not something is cancerous until you undergo a medical examination. More than likely, these symptoms are not cancer. This does not mean that you should ignore them. Even if a collection of symptoms is not cancer, it can be a sign of another medical condition. As early intervention is essential for dealing with any cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as you notice these problems when they become persistent and occur with no explanation.
What Are the Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease?
Considering how common Lyme disease is, it is surprising that more people are not aware of its early symptoms.
Lyme disease is a common vector-borne disease; it is transmitted through fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported each year.
Although it is not as rampant as the common cold or the flu, Lyme disease is still problematic. Symptoms of Lyme disease include loss of energy and tiredness. However, if treatment is withheld for longer, the symptoms often lead to further serious health issues that take time to resolve.
Here are some symptoms you should be aware of.
What Are the Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease?
As it is for any disease or infection, Lyme disease symptoms do not erupt all at once. Instead, they develop gradually and can take weeks, if not days, to fully infect you.
For the first stage, here are some of the symptoms you may experience within the first week to the first month.
Stage 1
1. A Red Circular Rash
Also known as an erythema migrans, this rash is circular and appears on the skin in a bulls-eye formation. The rash typically occurs in the area where a bug may have bitten you. This rash can spread to about 12 inches and can be scary-looking. But it is not particularly painful or itchy. More often, the rash only feels warm to the touch.
This red circular rash is a confirmed sign of Lyme disease. However, you may even develop Lyme disease without the rash, so you must keep up with all the other symptoms of the disease.
2. Overall Stiffness, Pain and Chills
These symptoms are hallmarks of Lyme disease. While you may regard them as signs of a cold, these symptoms are typical of your body’s reaction to any foreign contaminant.
Your body redirects your internal energy toward getting rid of what is infecting you. With your body fighting off the illness, this causes overall stiffness, headaches, joint pain, fever and chills. You may also experience muscle stiffness and a lack of energy.
3. Swollen Lymph Nodes
Unfortunately, it is unclear why Lyme disease targets the body’s lymph nodes. We know that the bacteria transmitted through the tick bite travel to the nodes to hide. Perhaps because the system suspects a foreign body, bacteria triggers your immune response and causes your lymph nodes to swell.
Your lymph nodes are located in different body parts, mainly the armpit, chest, neck, abdomen and groin. When infected with Lyme, the lymph nodes in your neck, armpits and groin are always more likely to swell. They may become sensitive to the touch and may feel larger than usual.
Stage 2
4. Increased Red Circular Rashes
Alongside the rash that occurs from the bite, you will also find more rashes appearing on your body. This typically occurs within the first four months after being bitten, and the rash only increases if you have not been treated.
However, it may also occur if you have not had the rash before in the early localized period within the first four weeks.
5. Numbness
The pain and stiffness will gradually increase to weakness, numbness and the inability to move your facial muscles. Again, because your body is still trying to drown the effects of Lyme disease, your extremities will not be able to get the strength they need to move.
Also, considering the weakness you will feel, you may also experience fainting spells and headaches.
6. Heart Palpitations
Your body will be working overtime to keep all your functions up and running. As such, you will feel the occasional bouts of rapid heartbeats.
If you have any heart conditions, it would be wise not to skip the doctor’s visit. Also, if you have a family history of heart problems, you will want to get in touch with a medical professional immediately. Lyme disease can cause serious heart issues in rare cases, and you should catch this problem beforehand.
Consequences of Not Treating Lyme Disease
If Lyme disease is not promptly treated, it leads to a myriad of health issues that take months and even years to heal. Your joints, nerves, heart and brain suffer, all because of an infected tick bite.
Why stop yourself from getting treatment?
If caught early on, Lyme disease can easily be controlled and treated. All it takes is some pre-emptive action on your part. So, pay attention to your body. You never know what it may be trying to tell you.