In 2018, 46,363 new cases of lung cancer were recorded in France, making it the third most common cancer. But it holds a sad record: that of the number of deaths, all locations combined. Long associated with male smokers, this cancer now affects a wider population, and 12% of those affected are non-smokers. However, the earlier the disease is detected, the better the chances of survival. Hence the usefulness of talking about lung cancer and knowing the signs.
6 skin signs among the symptoms
Among them, certain skin symptoms, although rare, should be taken seriously. In any case, this is what Giulia Guerrini, chief pharmacist of the Medino site, tells us in an article from
The Express UKa British media outlet.
“Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, and although skin symptoms are not very common, they can appear after the cancer has spread to other organs.“, she recalls.
According to her, there are six signs to watch out for on the skin:
- An increased tendency to bruise;
- The appearance of raised spots;
- A yellowish discoloration of the skin;
- Unusual itching;
- Rashes around the eyes;
- Sudden and repeated redness on one half of the face.
Don’t panic if you notice just one of these signs in isolation. There may also be another reason for this. The pharmacist tempers her remarks:
“There’s no need to worry if you have dry or itchy skin, but if you notice anything different about your skin, in combination with the most common symptoms of lung cancer – such as frequent coughing, regular chest infections, shortness of breath and coughing up blood – talk to a doctor immediately.“
It also specifies that certain anticancer treatments can also cause skin changes:
“Certain medications and cancer treatments can also be responsible for changes in your skin. It is therefore important to monitor these changes with your oncologist.”
Understanding lung cancer
Also referred to as bronchial cancer, this type of cancer affects the cells of the bronchi, and more rarely those of the pulmonary alveoli. As explained by Dr. Jean Ménard, radiotherapist oncologist, in a previous article, there are two main forms of lung cancer:
Small cell lung cancer
It represents approximately 15% of cases. This very aggressive form progresses quickly and is often diagnosed too late, when it has already metastasized.
Non-small cell lung cancer
This is the most common form (85% of cases). Less rapid in its progression, it is more easily treated. There are three subtypes:
- Adenocarcinomas, predominant in non-smokers and women;
- Squamous cell carcinomas;
- Large undifferentiated cell carcinomas.
A cancer often discovered by chance
As the lung is poorly innervated, tumors can develop there without causing pain. This silence explains why the diagnosis is often fortuitous, during an imaging test prescribed for another reason.
Symptoms usually appear when the tumor increases in size. Dr Ménard recalled in this regard that:
“Lung cancer usually presents late with respiratory signs, such as shortness of breath, cough and chest pain..”
Other signals should also prompt you to consult: nighttime cough, wheezing, change in voice, blood-tinged sputum or even difficulty swallowing.
Non-respiratory symptoms may also appear:Most often, signs of deterioration in general condition – fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss – are also present, sometimes with manifestations linked to metastases.“, added the oncologist.
Thus, bone pain (especially back pain) can indicate bone damage. Persistent headaches, vomiting, balance problems or partial paralysis suggest brain metastases.
Alongside these well-known manifestations, the skin symptoms mentioned by Giulia Guerrini enrich the list of signals to watch out for.