What is extensive stage small cell lung cancer?
Extensive stage small cell lung cancer means that the cancer has spread to the other lung and has spread to the nearby lymph nodes, tissues, and also to other parts of the body. Extensive stage also refers to the tumors that are to large or extensive to be found within a tolerable radiation field. Extensive stage of small cell lung cancer also has several symptoms that are listed below and if any of these symptoms persist, visit your doctor and get yourself checked.
Symptoms of extensive stage small cell lung cancer
The following symptoms are most commonly seen in patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer:
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Repeated lung infections like pneumonia or bronchitis
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness of voice
- Swelling in face and neck
- Wheezing
Read in detail about the different types of lung cancer
Extensive stage small cell lung cancer also have a broad variety of symptoms due to paraneoplastic syndrome which are caused due to the hormones secreted by the tumor or by the body’s immune response to the tumor. These symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness in the upper limbs
- General weakness, fatigue and low sodium level
- Loss of coordination and difficulty thinking
- Clubbing, a deformity of fingers in which the ends of the fingers take on the shape of an upside down teaspoon.
