10. Swelling of the Face and Neck: The Overlooked Indicator
Swelling of the face and neck may seem more like a beauty concern than a medical one. Yet, when linked to adenocarcinoma of the lung, this swelling can be an overlooked yet significant sign. Think of it this way: your body is quite literally puffing up as a visible clue that all is not well inside.
You might wonder why this swelling occurs. Often, it’s due to a tumor pressing against the superior vena cava, the main vein that carries blood from the upper part of your body back to your heart. This pressure obstructs blood flow, causing fluids to back up and leading to swelling in your face and neck.
Here’s something that adds an extra layer of complexity: the swelling might not be symmetrical. You could find that one side of your face swells more than the other. This irregularity can make the symptom even more puzzling and harder to diagnose without proper medical tests.
It gets even stranger when you consider that the swelling might fluctuate throughout the day. Factors like your posture, activity level, and even your diet can influence the severity of the swelling. It’s almost like your body is fluctuating along with the rhythms of your daily life. (10)
