Why does lung cancer cause pain in the early stages?
Oct 21, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Introduction
Possible causes of pain in early-stage lung cancer may include local compression, stimulation or invasion of the pleura by cancer cells, nerve damage, pulmonary infection, or atelectasis. It is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, enhance immunity, avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, and undergo regular health checkups to detect and prevent symptoms related to lung cancer at an early stage.
In general, pain in the early stages of lung cancer may be caused by local compression, stimulation or invasion of the pleura by cancer cells, nerve damage, pulmonary infection, or atelectasis. If any of the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Local Compression
Lung cancer cells grow within the lungs, and as the tumor increases in size, it may compress adjacent nerves and tissues such as the pleura, ribs, or spine, leading to pain. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and hemoptysis (coughing up blood). In early-stage lung cancer, surgical removal of the tumor under a doctor's guidance can help relieve these symptoms.
2. Stimulation or Invasion of the Pleura by Cancer Cells
In early-stage lung cancer, tumors may directly stimulate or invade the pleura, causing pleuritis (inflammation of the pleura) or nerve damage. Besides pain, patients may experience chest tightness and shortness of breath. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release tablets, diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules, or cefixime capsules for treatment.
3. Nerve Damage
During growth, lung cancer cells may compress or directly invade nerve roots near the spine, resulting in nerve damage and associated pain. This may also be accompanied by muscle weakness and sensory abnormalities. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may take medications such as gabapentin capsules, pregabalin oral solution, or mecobalamin tablets for treatment.
4. Pulmonary Infection
Lung cancer patients are prone to pulmonary infections due to impaired immune function and structural changes in the lungs. Infections can cause pulmonary edema, which stimulates nerve endings and leads to pain. Common accompanying symptoms include fever, cough, and sputum production. Treatment should be conducted under medical supervision using medications such as budesonide nasal spray, levosalbutamol hydrochloride nebulizing solution, or acetylcysteine granules.
5. Atelectasis
In early-stage lung cancer, if a tumor obstructs a bronchus and causes atelectasis (lung collapse), the affected lung tissue may become hypoxic and inflamed, stimulating nerve endings and causing pain. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest tightness may also occur. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as amoxicillin capsules, oseltamivir phosphate granules, or ribavirin tablets for treatment.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, boosting immunity, avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, and undergoing regular health check-ups are important measures for early detection and prevention of symptoms related to lung cancer.
