Signs That Suggest a Prompt Visit to a Lung Cancer Specialist in Singapore
According to the Singapore Cancer Registry, lung cancer claims approximately 100 lives per month. The numbers are higher than the mortality rate of colorectal cancer, the second-biggest killer cancer, with around 74 deaths per month.
Putting the numbers into consideration, it is important to know when to consult a cancer specialist in Singapore. This is because early detection as well as intervention are essential when it comes to improving the overall health and well-being of patients.
This write-up aims to outline the key indicators as well as situations that signal lung cancer in Singapore may be developing and medical procedures need to be immediately performed. Read on for details.
Persistent respiratory ailments
One of the most obvious signs to visit a lung cancer specialist in Singapore is the persistence of respiratory ailments or symptoms that do not improve after some time. The long list includes chronic cough, hemoptysis or coughing up blood, shortness of breath, pneumonia, bronchitis, wheezing, and so on.
It is important to note that while the said symptoms are oftentimes associated with less serious respiratory symptoms, their persistence warrants an extensive evaluation by a specialist to rule out lung cancer.
Family history of lung cancer
A family history of lung cancer can increase a person’s risk of developing the said terminal disease. Therefore, patients with immediate family members i.e. parents and siblings who have been diagnosed by the said cancer, are advised to visit a specialist for screening, preventive measures, and so forth.
Unexplained weight loss or persistent fatigue
Unexplained weight loss and/or persistent fatigue without an outright cause is sometimes an indicator of lung cancer. Some cases of lung cancer are accompanied by a condition called ascites, which is a build-up of fluid in the stomach. This can lead to fatigue, lethargy, loss of appetite, breathing difficulties, etc., conditions that contribute to fatigue.
The aforementioned symptoms, especially accompanied by other respiratory ailments, should prompt a visit to a specialist for an extensive medical evaluation.
Hoarse voice and difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness, and other changes in voice, or difficulty swallowing are conditions that should not be taken for granted. That is because they may have telltale signs of lung cancer that affects the esophagus or laryngeal nerves.
Again, while the said symptoms may be related to other conditions, their persistence suggests that a comprehensive evaluation by a doctor needs to be performed the soonest.
Chest pain
Chest pain is a condition that may be associated with lung cancer. However, it should be noted that it is not exclusive to the said condition and can be indicative of other health issues. But in the context of lung cancer, pain in the chest area may arise from various mechanisms and may present in different ways depending on the stage as well as location of the cancer. In addition, the presence of metastasis and other relevant ailments.
Furthermore, lung cancer may be linked to other conditions that may contribute to chest pain. The long list includes pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), pericarditis (inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart), and so on.
Inappropriate imaging results
Abnormalities that are detected in chest X-rays or CT scans during tests for unrelated medical issues may require a visit to a specialist for lung cancer in Singapore evaluation. The presence of nodules, masses, or other suspicious findings may interpret results in the context of the said terminal ailment.
Summing up
Visiting a lung cancer specialist in Singapore is a crucial step in the early detection, treatment, and management of lung cancer. The tips and pointers that were elaborated above can be beneficial in more ways than one since they act as guides for those who are seeking appropriate medical care promptly.
