Early symptoms of lung cancer in a 70-year-old man

The early symptoms of lung cancer may be relatively hidden. People over 70 years old need to pay special attention to abnormal conditions such as persistent cough, bloody sputum, chest pain, and dyspnea. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible can significantly improve the treatment effect. The following details the common symptoms of early lung cancer and how the elderly should pay attention to their health.

1. Persistent cough

One of the most common early symptoms of lung cancer is a persistent cough, which is easily mistaken for chronic bronchitis or the common cold, especially in the elderly. If the cough gradually worsens, especially when it is dry cough, paroxysmal cough or even accompanied by hoarseness, it should be taken seriously. It is recommended to create a cough diary to record the frequency, duration and related symptoms of coughing, and to seek medical attention in a timely manner for a low-dose chest CT scan.

2. Blood in sputum or bloody sputum

If the elderly find blood streaks in their sputum repeatedly, or cough up rusty red sputum, even if the amount is small, they should be alert to the possibility of lung cancer. This is because the lung tumor erodes the surrounding blood vessels. If accompanied by coughing and chest discomfort, do not delay. People born in cold regions or with a long history of smoking should pay more attention and seek medical attention as soon as possible for bronchoscopy to identify the lesion.

3. Chest pain and local discomfort

Lung cancer can cause intermittent chest pain in the early stages, especially when the tumor is close to the pleura. It may be a stabbing or dull pain that is mild but recurring. This chest pain is sometimes not related to fatigue and may worsen at night. It is recommended to consult a doctor in time and combine imaging examinations (such as lung CT) to evaluate whether the pain is related to the location and progression of the tumor.

4. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

If an elderly person has unexplained shortness of breath in a quiet state and has no history of infection, heart disease or other diseases, you should pay attention to whether it is a manifestation of lung cancer. The cause may be a tumor compressing the airway or accompanied by pleural effusion. In terms of treatment, mild shortness of breath can be relieved by oxygen therapy, but if the cause needs to be eradicated, surgical resection or radiotherapy may be required.

5. Systemic symptoms

Early lung cancer may also cause systemic symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, and long-term fatigue. These symptoms may not be directly related to the lungs, but because they affect the body's metabolism and immunity, they are often early signals of tumor growth. It is recommended that family members pay more attention to changes in the elderly's diet and daily life. If unexplained persistent fatigue or a sharp decrease in appetite occurs, a comprehensive physical examination should be carried out as soon as possible.

Early detection of lung cancer is highly correlated with the cure rate. Elderly patients in particular should undergo regular health checks, including lung imaging screening. Paying more attention to abnormal changes in your body and preventing them before they occur is the key to protecting your health. If you find the above symptoms, you should seek professional medical help immediately.