The number one killer of cancers among both men and women is lung cancer, with small cell cancer accounting for 25 percent of all lung cancers. It either is contained to the chest or spreads outside of the chest. In most cases, surgery is rarely an option because, by the time the cancer is detected, it has already spread to other areas of the body. Approximately 1/4 of those diagnosed with small cell cancer have no symptoms and are diagnosed accidentally when a chest X-ray is performed for another reason. When symptoms do appear, it is after the cancer has progressed.
Bloody Sputum
Also known as hemoptysis, the bloody mucus comes from the throat or lungs. It is not to be confused with bleeding from the mouth, throat or gastrointestinal tract; rather it is bleeding that arises from the respiratory tract. Bloody sputum often looks like bubbles because it is mixed with air and mucus and is typically bright red in color. It may also appear to be rust colored and may sometimes contain streaks of blood.
Chest Pain
This is described as a discomfort or fullness you may feel anywhere in the front of your body, located between the neck and upper abdomen. Though many who experience it are fearful they are having a heart attack, there are many causes for this pain, small cell cancer included. In reality, any organ or tissue can be the underlying cause of the pain, including the lungs.
Coughing
Though this is the body's natural way of keeping its airways clean, a chronic cough can be an indication of a more serious problem or disorder. If accompanied with bloody sputum, the underlying cause can very well be small cell cancer.
Loss of Appetite
Often when cancer is present, the person's appetite will decrease despite the body's caloric needs. This can ultimately lead to unintentional weight loss, fatigue and weakness as well.
Shortness of Breath
This occurs due to a blockage in air flow to parts of the lung due to the presence of a tumor. Some additional symptoms can include facial swelling, fever, hoarseness and difficulty swallowing.
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