10 Symptoms That May Indicate Large Cell Carcinoma

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.