In my career as a doctor, I have come across many cases that have made me realize that health problems are often looming around without us even noticing. For example, during an outpatient visit, a middle-aged male patient came to me for consultation with persistent headaches and occasional facial swelling. He originally thought that these were ordinary symptoms caused by high work pressure and lack of sleep, and even used painkillers and cold compresses for a few weeks in the hope that the problem would resolve itself. But upon further examination, we found out that these symptoms turned out to be early signals caused by lung cancer metastasizing to the brain. This case is a profound reminder of how important it is to recognize and interpret the signals sent by the body in a timely manner.
Such experiences made me realize that some seemingly inconspicuous head symptoms, such as persistent headaches, facial swelling, vision changes, and even tinnitus, may be important health messages that the body is trying to tell us. While these symptoms don't always indicate a serious illness, ignoring them can lead to serious consequences.
Head features are associated with lung cancer
Persistent headaches
If you're experiencing an unusual, persistent headache, especially if it's different from what you've experienced in the past, then this could be a warning sign. Lung cancer cells can sometimes metastasize to the brain, which can lead to increased pressure in the inner cranium, which can trigger headaches. Self-examination can be as simple as recording the frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches, and contacting your doctor as soon as possible for detailed testing if headaches are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or blurred vision.
Swelling of the face
Facial swelling can be caused by superior vena cava syndrome, a condition caused by lung cancer pressing on the main blood vessels that enter the heart. This swelling usually appears in the morning and may include the eyelids and cheeks. If you notice sudden or persistent swelling of your face, it could be a sign of lung cancer. Prompt testing can help confirm superior vena cava syndrome, and early treatment is essential.
Changes in vision
Vision problems associated with lung cancer may include blurred vision, double vision, or loss of visual field. These symptoms can be caused by a tumor pressing on the visual pathways in the brain. Watch for sudden changes in vision, for how long, and if other symptoms are accompanied by headaches or balance problems. This information is critical for doctors to diagnose underlying brain problems.
Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
People with lung cancer may experience sudden tinnitus or hearing loss, especially if the lung cancer affects nerves in the brain or neck. This symptom may indicate metastasis of lung cancer, especially if tinnitus or hearing loss occurs in the absence of other obvious causes. Keep a note of the frequency, type of tinnitus (such as buzzing or ringing) and its impact on daily life, and discuss these symptoms with your doctor so that they can be appropriately evaluated and managed.
The importance of early diagnosis of lung cancer
Why is early detection so important?
Dramatic Improvement in Survival Rates: Statistics show that the five-year survival rate for lung cancer can reach nearly 90% when detected early. This number drops dramatically as the disease progresses, and may be less than 5% in advanced stages. Therefore, early diagnosis can be said to be a major turning point in life.
More treatment options with fewer side effects: In the early stages of lung cancer, patients can undergo surgery to remove the lesion without having to go through painful chemotherapy and radiotherapy. To put it simply, the sooner it is detected, the more it will feel like a trip to the supermarket rather than a marathon.
Less financially burdensome: Financially, the cost of treating lung cancer at an early stage is much lower than at an advanced stage. Early treatment can often be limited to surgery, while later treatment may require multiple rounds of expensive chemotherapy and other long-term treatments.
Recommended primary screening methods:
Low-dose CT scan (LDCT): This is currently the recommended primary screening tool for lung cancer, especially for people with a long-term smoking history. This test can detect very small tumors, even before symptoms appear.
Sputum cytology: For those who are not candidates for a CT scan, a sputum examination can also be used as an adjunct to look for abnormal cells.
Biomarker testing: Certain markers in the blood can indicate the presence of lung cancer, and this test is being researched and developed and may become a routine screening tool in the future.
Precautions in everyday life
Quit smoking
We all know that smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking now is the most immediate improvement to your health. Not only that, but it's also important to avoid secondhand smoke. Remember, quitting smoking starts now, and the recovery of your lungs will start with it.
Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables
Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits and vegetables, have been shown to help reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including lung cancer. Try incorporating more whole-food, plant-based diets into your daily routine.
Stay physically active
Regular physical activity not only improves your overall health, but it can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which in turn reduces your risk of lung cancer. Whether it's brisk walking, swimming, or biking, find an activity you enjoy and stick to it.
Reduce indoor pollution
Ensure good ventilation in your home to reduce exposure to formaldehyde, asbestos, and other possible carcinogens. Using an air purifier and regularly checking the level of radioactive radon in your living environment are also good precautions.
Regular medical check-ups
Talk to your healthcare provider about regular health screenings, including lung cancer screenings, especially if you have high-risk lifestyle habits (such as a history of long-term smoking) or a family history. Early detection is always key.
With these daily preventive measures, you will not only reduce your risk of lung cancer, but also improve your overall quality of life. A healthy lifestyle is a choice, and every step of the change could be the best investment in your life.