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This Ocular Sign Indicates You Should Have Your Lungs Examined
by Emily Carter
Updated: Sep. 8, 2021
Originally Published: Sep. 8, 2021
Cancer is a devastating condition, and most people have been touched by it in some manner. Lung cancer, in particular, ranks among the most severe forms of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in both men and women. Tragically, it is also one of the deadliest; in 2021, 131,880 adults lost their lives to lung cancer.
One reason lung cancer is so lethal is that it often goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage. Furthermore, symptoms may not even relate to the lungs, complicating detection and diagnosis. For instance, Pancoast tumors—a specific type of lung tumor—rarely show symptoms in the lungs themselves. Instead, they can manifest symptoms in the shoulders, arms, hands, face, and even the eyes.
Yes, lung cancer can present symptoms in your extremities, eyes, and face, which is quite alarming. However, being informed about these symptoms and knowing when to consult your doctor for further evaluations could be life-saving.
Understanding Pancoast Tumors
As detailed by WebMD, Pancoast tumors are typically classified as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They develop at the top of one lung and are likely to invade surrounding tissues. Rather than directly affecting lung tissue, they often impact the chest wall and can spread to lymph nodes, the spine, ribs, and nerves.
Like other lung cancers, Pancoast tumors can arise from smoking, secondhand smoke, exposure to asbestos, and industrial chemicals. The way they affect nerves and the spine can lead to various unusual symptoms unrelated to the lungs.
Uncommon Effects of Pancoast Tumors
WebMD explains that the initial symptoms of a Pancoast tumor typically involve pain in the shoulders and shoulder blades. This pain may radiate down the arms to the fingertips and can be severe, requiring potent pain management for some individuals.
In addition to pain, other nerve-related symptoms may include muscle weakness, tingling sensations, or an odd “creepy crawly” feeling on the skin.
Pancoast Tumors and Their Impact on Your Face and Eyes
One of the more unsettling effects of Pancoast tumors involves the face and eyes. When these tumors impact the nerves controlling your eyes and face, it can lead to a condition known as Horner syndrome.
As described by the American Cancer Society, Horner syndrome may result in a drooping upper eyelid or weakness in that eyelid. You might also notice that the pupil of the affected eye is smaller than that of the other eye, along with reduced sweating on that side of your face. In some cases, there may be little to no sweating at all.
The Mayo Clinic adds that Horner syndrome can have various causes beyond lung cancer, including strokes, spinal cord injuries, or other tumors. Addressing Horner syndrome involves diagnosing the underlying issue, which, once treated, can alleviate the symptoms.
What to Do If You Experience Any of These Symptoms
It’s natural to feel anxious when you notice something unusual with your body. Personally, I have a history of ocular migraines, which makes me extra alert to any changes in my vision. Protecting our eyesight is instinctual!
Ultimately, if you observe any strange or atypical health issues in yourself or a loved one, take it seriously. Don’t just panic; seek medical attention.
Before researching this article, I was unaware that shoulder pain and unusual eye symptoms could signify something as serious as lung cancer. Even though I personally don’t have risk factors for lung cancer, I would definitely keep this in mind and consult a doctor if I or someone close experienced any of these symptoms.
Even if lung cancer isn’t on your radar, it’s a silent disease that can impact anyone. If you have any of these signs and are uncertain about what to do, please talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Most likely, these symptoms are unrelated to lung cancer and may be easily treatable. However, if they do indicate lung cancer or another serious condition, you’ll be grateful you sought help.
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Summary
In conclusion, being aware of unusual symptoms such as shoulder pain and ocular changes can be crucial for early detection of potential health issues like lung cancer. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional promptly. Knowledge is power, and taking action could make a significant difference in health outcomes.
Keyphrase: Ocular symptoms and lung health
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