Lesson 3 – Recognizing Lung Cancer
← Back to LessonsRECOGNIZING LUNG CANCER
Lung cancer symptoms often do not appear until the disease is advanced. Early signs can be mistaken for other illnesses, which is why screening and awareness are so critical.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Persistent or worsening cough
Chest pain
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
Shortness of breath
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
DIAGNOSIS METHODS
- Chest X-ray: Often the first imaging test done when symptoms are reported.
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Offers more detailed images of the lungs than an X-ray.
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan: Shows areas of active cancer growth.
- Bronchoscopy: A camera-tube is passed into the lungs to examine tissue.
- Biopsy: Tissue samples are taken for analysis to confirm the presence and type of cancer.