10 Symptoms That May Indicate Large Cell Carcinoma

1. Chronic Cough

One of the most common signs of large cell carcinoma is developing a chronic cough. At first, the cough might not seem intrusive, and you might feel more of shortness of breath than an actual cough. As time continues, however, the cough can worsen and will eventually turn chronic. The reason a cough might not occur right away is large cell carcinoma tends to impact the outer areas of the lungs, unlike other forms of lung cancer. This is why it is important to pay attention to other symptoms that tend to present themselves earlier on with large cell carcinoma.

2. Coughing Up Blood

Another highly common and very startling symptom of large cell carcinoma is coughing up blood, otherwise known as hemoptysis. Studies have shown about seven to ten percent of lung cancer patients present with hemoptysis as a symptom and about twenty percent of lung cancer patients will begin to cough up blood during their illness. While blood might originally come from the lungs, it can potentially come from vomiting, inside of the nose, or within the upper respiratory system. This is why it is important for a doctor treating a lung cancer patient to figure out where the blood is coming from as well as how much blood the patient is losing every day. This symptom can be treated by a bronchoscopy or the creation of an artificial block to stop the bleeding.

3. Body Aches And Pain

Some of the earlier but less obvious symptoms of large cell carcinoma in the lungs are the experiencing of body aches and pains. Patients who experience these symptoms might mistakenly associate the pain they feel in their chest, back, and shoulders as being the result of simply being out of shape or getting older. However, what is not obvious is when large cell carcinomas develop along the outer areas of the lungs, they tend to cause pleural effusions, which is when fluid collects in the tissue layers of the lungs known as the pleura. When you take a deep breath, this can cause you to feel like you are struggling to inhale deeply.

4. Paraneoplastic Syndrome

Paraneoplastic syndrome is most commonly found in lung cancer cases, but the exact pathogenesis of this cluster of symptoms is still unknown. Scientists speculate this syndrome arises as a result of substances secreted by the tumors in the lungs or by the antibodies having cross-reactions with other tissues once they have been sent out to fight the tumors. An estimated twenty percent of large cell carcinoma patients will experience this syndrome during their illness. Symptoms include night sweats, cachexia, anorexia, and fever. Skin problems might also arise, such as flushing, itching, keratoses, and even herpes zoster, which is better known as shingles. The endocrine, gastrointestinal, and neurological systems in the body are also affected, leading to diversity in symptoms.

5. Fatigue And Shortness Of Breath

Fatigue and shortness of breath are prevalent in cases of large cell carcinoma. Since carcinoma growing along the outer regions of the lungs leads to fluid build-up in the pleura, patients might find they easily become winded and wheeze while doing even light treks up the stairs. Additionally, cancer-related fatigue (CRF) tends to manifest throughout the illness. Simply getting more rest will not relieve the fatigue, and it has physical, cognitive, and emotional impacts on the patient. Studies have found CRF is present in somewhere between fifty-seven and one hundred percent of lung cancer cases. Fatigue can often be primary, but it can also be comorbidity associated with other illnesses, such as autoimmune diseases, depression and other mood disorders, and various sleep disorders.

6. Recurring Respiratory Infections

A less obvious but critical symptom of large cell carcinoma is the frequent recurrence of respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. These infections may not respond well to standard treatments or may recur shortly after seeming to clear up. This happens because the growing tumor can obstruct airways, making the lungs more susceptible to infection and hindering the body's ability to clear pathogens effectively. While common infections are often dismissed, persistent or recurring respiratory illnesses, especially without clear cause, should prompt further investigation to rule out underlying conditions like lung cancer.

7. Unexplained Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite

Significant and unexplained weight loss, even without trying, coupled with a decreased appetite, can be an insidious red flag for large cell carcinoma. This symptom, sometimes part of paraneoplastic syndrome, occurs because cancer cells can increase the body's metabolic rate, burning more calories, while also releasing substances that suppress appetite. Patients may notice their clothes fitting looser or a general disinterest in food. This "cancer cachexia" is often progressive and can severely impact a patient's strength and ability to fight the disease, making any unprompted weight loss a symptom to discuss with a doctor immediately.

8. Hoarseness or Voice Changes

A persistent change in voice, such as hoarseness, that doesn't resolve after a few weeks, can be a subtle but important indicator of lung cancer, including large cell carcinoma. This symptom arises if a tumor in the lung grows and presses on the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the vocal cords. The pressure on this nerve can interfere with its function, leading to a weak, breathy, or raspy voice. While hoarseness is commonly associated with colds or allergies, a prolonged or unexplained change warrants medical evaluation, as it could signal a more serious underlying issue.

9. Swelling in the Neck or Face

Swelling in the neck or face, particularly around the eyes, can be a serious and often late-stage symptom of large cell carcinoma. This can occur if a tumor in the lung grows large enough to compress the superior vena cava (SVC), a major vein that carries blood from the head, neck, and upper chest back to the heart. This compression, known as SVC syndrome, causes blood to back up, leading to noticeable swelling, shortness of breath, and even dizziness. Such symptoms demand immediate medical attention as they indicate a significant obstruction.

10. Clubbing of Fingers and Toes

A less common but highly distinctive physical sign associated with lung cancer, including large cell carcinoma, is "finger clubbing." This involves changes in the shape of the fingers and nails: the fingertips enlarge, and the nails curve downward around the fingertips, resembling a drumstick. This occurs due to fluid accumulation in the soft tissues of the fingertips, though the exact mechanism related to lung cancer is not fully understood. While not exclusive to cancer, finger clubbing is a symptom that should never be ignored and always prompts a thorough medical investigation.

Large Cell Carcinoma: Early Signs, Critical Action

Large cell carcinoma, though less common, presents an aggressive challenge due to its rapid spread and devastating impact. Understanding its 10 unmistakable red flags is not merely informative; it is a critical step in safeguarding health. From the more obvious signs like a chronic cough or coughing up blood, to the more subtle and insidious indicators like unexplained weight loss, persistent infections, or even changes in voice, recognizing these symptoms early is paramount. As this form of lung cancer often impacts outer lung areas, vigilance for cumulative signs is key. Early detection drastically improves survival rates, underscoring the urgent need to consult a healthcare professional immediately if any of these warning signs appear.