What are the symptoms of lung carcinoma in situ?

Lung carcinoma in situ may present symptoms such as a persistent dry cough, slight hemoptysis or blood-tinged sputum, chest pain or tightness, throat discomfort or hoarseness, and unexplained low-grade fever. Early symptoms are often atypical and easily overlooked. If any of the above symptoms persist for more than two weeks, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.

1. Irritative dry cough: This is typically a non-productive cough or one with minimal white sputum. The cough persists without significant relief and often worsens at night or upon waking. It is one of the more common early signs of lung carcinoma in situ.

2. Slight hemoptysis or blood-tinged sputum: This involves streaks of blood or small clots in the sputum, or occasional minor episodes of coughing up blood. It results from tumor invasion of bronchial mucosal blood vessels and should be taken seriously when it occurs.

3. Chest pain or tightness: Often described as an irregular dull ache or mild pain, which may worsen with physical activity and can be accompanied by mild chest tightness or shortness of breath. These symptoms are related to tumor compression of surrounding tissues or impaired lung ventilation.

4. Throat discomfort or hoarseness: When the tumor compresses or invades the recurrent laryngeal nerve, it may cause a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, dryness, or persistent hoarseness—symptoms often mistaken for pharyngitis.

5. Unexplained low-grade fever: Some patients develop a low fever ranging from 37.5°C to 38°C. The fever does not respond well to antibiotics and is often due to cancer-related (neoplastic) fever, which should be differentiated from common infections.

Maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke and harmful substances like dust. Engage in regular moderate aerobic exercise to strengthen lung function. Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-quality protein. Perform routine lung health screenings for early detection and timely intervention.