Sign 4: Chest Pain
Pain, in any part of the body, is more than just a sensation – it’s a warning. It signifies something is amiss, acting as a cry for attention. Nowhere is this more critical than when it involves the chest. The chest, a vital hub for many of the body’s essential functions, is a sensitive area. When it aches, particularly when coughing, laughing, or even deep breathing, it’s imperative to take heed.
In the early stages of lung cancer, tumors are usually tiny and localized. For the most part, they don’t cause any noticeable distress. But as they grow, invading the surrounding tissue, the story changes. The discomfort begins. Depending on its location, a tumor can induce pain not just in the chest but even extend its reach. The shoulders or the back might ache, often misleading people into attributing the pain to muscular strain or fatigue.
Not all tumors behave the same. Those nestled closer to the ribcage, towards the outer parts of the lungs, are more notorious for causing pain. In contrast, tumors that call the deep recesses of the lungs their home are often silent, giving away little till they’ve grown significantly or affected other functions. (4)
