Symptom 9: Blood in Cough
Coughing up blood, medically known as hemoptysis, is a symptom that would unsettle most. While there are various conditions that can cause this – from bronchitis to blood clotting disorders – when it appears alongside other symptoms we’ve discussed, it becomes a significant marker for lung carcinoma.
As lung cancer tumors grow and invade surrounding tissues, they can erode into the lung’s blood vessels. This invasion leads to blood mixing with mucus, resulting in the alarming sight of a blood-tinged cough. The amount of blood can vary, from streaks to, in severe cases, larger quantities that might resemble a nosebleed.
The appearance of blood isn’t the only notable aspect. Often, its consistency and frequency provide clues. Lung carcinoma-related hemoptysis typically presents as rust-colored or bright red blood. Moreover, the act of coughing up blood might be accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath, further linking it to a potential malignancy in the lungs. (9)
