SCLC Symptoms: Small cell lung cancer

SCLC Symptoms can result from local growth of the tumor, spread to nearby areas

Persons with small-cell lung cancer typically have had symptoms for a relatively short time (8 to 12 weeks) before they visit their doctor. The SCLC symptoms can result from local growth of the tumor, spreading to nearby areas, distant spread, paraneoplastic syndromes, or a combination thereof. Speaking to the experts at AWAREmed health and wellness resource center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD, the symptoms arising due to local growth of the tumor may include the following:

Cough
Coughing up blood
Shortness of breath
Chest pain worsened by deep breathing

Symptoms arising as a result of the spreading of the cancer to nearby areas includes:

Gravelly voice, resulting from compression of the nerve that supplies the vocal cords
Shortness of breath, resulting from compression of the nerve that supplies the muscles of the diaphragm, or the lungs filling with fluid and stridor (sound produced by turbulent flow of air through a narrowed part of the respiratory tract) resulting from compression of the trachea (windpipe) or larger bronchi (airways of the lung)
Trouble when swallowing, resulting from compression of the esophagus (food pipe)
Swelling of the face and hands, resulting from compression of the superior vena cava (vein that returns deoxygenated blood from the upper body)

Symptoms arising when the distant cancer spreads and this will depend on the site where the cancer spread. Such symptoms may include:

Movement to the brain causes vomiting, weak limbs, headache, mental changes, seizures and blurring of vision.
The spread towards the vertebral column is associated with back pain.
Spread to the spinal cord may results in paralysis and loss of bowel or bladder function.
Spread to the bone can cause bone pain.
Spread to the liver results in pain on the right upper part of the abdomen.

Symptoms associated with paraneoplastic syndromes are:

Symptoms may or may not be characteristic of a specific organ system.
Nonspecific symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain or loss.
Severe muscle weakness.
Trouble with balance or walking.
Changes in mental status.
Changes in skin color, texture, and facial features.

SCLC Symptoms: Palliative and terminal care

Because small-cell lung cancer is diagnosed in most people when it is not curable, palliative care becomes important. The goal of palliative and terminal care is to manage pain and discomfort and enhance quality of life.

Palliative care not only focuses on comfort but also addresses the concerns of the patient’s family and loved ones. Caregivers may include family and friends in addition to doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals.

Palliative and terminal care is often given in a hospital, hospice, or nursing home; however, it can also be provided at home. And finally, whichever way you look at this disease, it’s one that completely change both the patients and loved one’s life. As professionals from AWAREmed health center, we would want to help you all the way. Therefore, if you’re struggling with SCLC disease, let us know about on telephone number (843) 2131480 or contact Dr. Dalal Akoury on Facebook, Linkedin. Professionally, and with a lot of care we will help you make a positive difference.