10 Symptoms That May Indicate Large Cell Carcinoma

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.