Serious Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Lung Cancer

Coughing Up Blood

Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) is the most common symptom reported by patients at the time of their lung cancer diagnosis. Mucus lines the airways and sacs in the lungs to help protect the fragile membranes from becoming damaged by foreign objects and pathogens. A malignant tumor in the lung can cause the airways to become narrowed or blocked, inhibiting the natural distribution and expulsion of the mucus. This malfunction can cause an increased production of mucus that comes up out of the lungs during a chronic coughing episode. In addition, a growing cancerous tumor causes damage to the sacs in the lungs lined by thousands of tiny capillaries of which constantly facilitate the circulation of blood for oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange. The damaged sacs can cause small amounts of blood to leech into the mucus lining the lungs. When the affected individual has an episode of chronic coughing, they may observe streaks of blood that can vary in color from bright red to dark reddish black in the mucus they cough up. This symptom is often overlooked at the beginning because it is typically a trivial amount of blood the patient assumes came from an irritated tooth, mouth sore, sore throat, chapped lips, or irritated nasal passageways. However, hemolysis will worsen as the malignancy progresses in the lung.

Read more about symptoms associated with lung cancer now.