The symptom of lung cancer in form of back pain is not usually paid much attention. Get to know about the warning signs, symptoms and risks of lung cancer to detect it at an early stage and ensure improved treatment results.

Will Back pain mean lung cancer?

Back pain is one of the modern health problems that has turned into a common feature of a busy lifestyle. Some of these are associated by many with bad posture or excessive working hours or spinal problems. Although in the majority of cases, the back pains are not harmful, in some cases, the chronic or unusual back pains may be the first sign of lung cancer. Neglect may postpone diagnosis and treatment. We should know how lung cancer can be the cause of back pain and when you should visit a doctor.

The causes of Lung Cancer that lead to the occurrence of back pain are explained.

According to medical specialists, lung cancer may cause back pain in the following ways:

• Squeeze of the spine or ribs: The tumor can squeeze against nerves, bones, or the spinal column securely in the event the tumor is situated at the back of the lungs.

• Cancer in the bones (metastasis): Lung cancer can extend to the bones, which causes back or shoulder pain to be chronic.

• Night-time exacerbation: When the pain fails to respond to medicines, and worsens during the night, it cannot be overlooked.

In case of back pain and persistent cough, fatigue or shortness of breath, a medical check-up must be made immediately.

Certain Pavilions of Back Pain in Lung Cancer.

No one type of back pain associated with lung cancer has a signature. Nonetheless, there are warning signs, which include:

• Weekly/Monthly pain that does not go away with rest or medication.

• Pain which increases with deep breathing, coughing or laughing.

• There is no physical trauma to the upper back or shoulders and pain in the upper back.

Tingling, numbness or weakness caused by spinal cord tumor pressure.

Additional Symptoms of Lung Cancer that you can never overlook.

Lung cancer is a silent disease and symptoms manifested only later. Nevertheless, you can be detected at an early stage provided that you are attentive to signals like:

• Cough persisting through time.
• Coughing up blood
• Voice hoarseness or voice change.
• Pneumonia and chest tightness.
• Unexplained fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Recurring chest infections

Who is at greater risk of lung cancer?

Some individuals are more susceptible to lung cancer and they must be particularly sensitive when they develop back pain along with the symptoms given above:

• Smokers (active or passive): Smoking is the major cause of lung cancer.

• Exposure to air pollution: Urban air pollution caused by vehicles and factories is a rapidly expanding harmful influence on the health of the lungs.

• Exposure to indoor smoke: Women who cook in kitchens that lack appropriate ventilation are more at risk.

• Exposure to radon gas: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which may enter the houses.

• Family history: history of genetic connection predisposes a person to respiratory cancer risks.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If your back pain:

• Lasts over a couple of weeks,
• Worsens at night or rest, or
• Is accompanied by cough, fatigue or weight loss,

It is time to see a medical practitioner. Scans and medical tests can be done early on and this increases survival and success rate of treatment.