Lung cancer and COVID-19 have some common symptoms such as, cough, respiratory problems and fatigue. Frequent coughing is a problem and if the problem gets worse, you should immediately consult a doctor. It could be a symptom of cold allergy or more severe problems like COVID-19 or lung cancer. Both diseases are fatal but if diagnosed in early stages, treatment could save the patient’s life. However, there are no denying the fact that lung cancer sounds more threatening than COVID-19 as majority of world population have now been vaccinated against coronavirus.
Though coronavirus has ceased to be a threat to human population, it still exists and no one can tell if it will mutate in a very dangerous avatar. In different parts of the world, it is still affecting people though the deaths from COVID-19 are very rare.
Lisa Jaques, who is working as a lead cancer nurse at Perci Health, UK, explains how patients can understand if the problems they have are caused by Coronavirus or Lung Cancer.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer starts in the lungs. This cancer is often associated with smoking and pollution. In lung cancer, the cells and tissue swell up, grow and mutate beyond control. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It accounts for nearly 25% of all cancer-related deaths.
COVID-19
COVID-19 disease or coronavirus is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes infection. Most people, who have got COVID, will have some symptoms – mild or moderate – and need no special treatment for recovery. However, the disease may turn fatal for some and they need some special treatment.
Common Symptoms
COVID-19 and lung cancer share some common symptoms including:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
- Recurring or persisting chest infections
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer usually shows symptoms at advanced stages. Both primary and last-stage symptoms include:
- Cough that keeps coming back or never goes away
- Blood in mucus
- Hoarseness of voice
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Headache
- Pain in shoulders
- Fatigue
Symptoms of COVID-19
Respiratory problem is the classic symptom of COVID-19. However, the virus has mutated quickly over years and so, symptoms are not limited to only cough and shortness of breath. Other prominent symptoms include:
Ø High temperature
Ø Feeling exhausted
Ø Runny or blocked nose
Ø Sore threat
Ø Change or loss in sense of taste or smell
Ø Loss of appetite
Ø Diarrhoea
Ø Headache
Ø Body aches
Ø Feeling sick
What are the differences?
So, you find many symptoms common to both lung cancer and COVID-19. However, there are some tell-tale signs of lung cancer and these are not linked to coronavirus. For example, voice change is a classic symptom of lung cancer.
Even unexpected weight loss and excruciating shoulder pain may happen in the early stages of lung cancer. If these problems linger for 3-4 weeks despite having medications, you must see a doctor at the best cancer treatment hospital in Kolkata.
COVID-19 patients usually experience several symptoms though it depends on their individual immunity power and medical history.