Symptom 9: Headaches
Each one of us, at some point or another, has fallen victim to the insistent throes of a headache. This common ailment, often shrugged off as a byproduct of stress or fatigue, takes on a different shade when seen in conjunction with conditions like SCC. The occasional headache is a shared human experience, yet its persistent and severe occurrence can be a signal flare, indicative of deeper concerns.
The influence of squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) is not confined to the lungs. When SCC spreads, the brain can become an unfortunate target. The brain, encased in the skull, has limited room to accommodate any additional growth. When SCC metastasizes to the brain, the growing tumors can increase intracranial pressure, leading to intense headaches.
It’s not just the physical growth of the tumor that causes discomfort. The body’s immune response, combined with the release of inflammatory substances, can exacerbate the situation. Imagine the brain’s confined space, where every millimeter counts. Now introduce a foreign growth, and the ensuing pressure change affects various regions, translating to headaches of varying intensities and locations. (9)
