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Persistent back pain can sometimes be an early sign of lung cancer. Statistics suggest that approximately 25 percent of lung cancer patients experience specific back pain.

Back pain cancer symptoms

Back pain has become a very common problem these days. Sitting in the wrong posture all day, working on a laptop for long periods, carrying heavy bags, or muscle strain are the reasons why about 80 percent of people suffer from it at some point or the other. People usually ignore it, thinking it's just fatigue or stress, but if back pain persists for a long time and doesn't get better with rest or medication, it could be a sign of a serious illness, even cancer. So, let us tell you today that if you have back pain for a long time, don't mistake it for fatigue, because it could be a sign of dangerous cancer.

What kind of back pain can be a warning sign of cancer?

Back pain that recurs without any apparent reason or doesn't subside is not a good idea to dismiss it as muscle pain. If the pain persists day and night, worsens when lying down, and is unrelated to any activity, it could be a sign of a serious problem. Other symptoms may also appear, such as sudden weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, or changes in bowel habits. If back pain is accompanied by these symptoms, immediate evaluation is essential. However, if the pain radiates from the upper back to the lower back, it could be related to pancreatic, breast, lung, prostate, or kidney cancer. In such cases, the pain often worsens at night and doesn't subside even with rest. Experts advise against ignoring sudden weight loss or loss of appetite.

Back pain may be linked to lung cancer.

Sometimes, persistent back pain can be an early sign of lung cancer. Statistics indicate that approximately 25 percent of lung cancer patients experience a specific type of back pain that is different from normal pain. This pain persists even while resting, worsens at night, and does not respond to medications or physiotherapy. A growing lung tumor can exert pressure on the spine, causing back pain to spread to the arms, legs, or hips. This can also cause symptoms like numbness, weakness, or tingling. Sometimes, if the cancer has spread to the spinal fluid or meninges, headaches and weakness in the arms and legs may also be felt.

If you have any kind of pain, should you consult a doctor?

When your back pain persists even while resting, or if it worsens at night and disrupts your sleep, it shouldn't be considered normal. However, if the pain suddenly begins without any reason and continues to worsen, even with a slight breath, and the pain doesn't respond to medication, therapy, or any other treatment, you should immediately consult a doctor. If the pain is related to lung cancer, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as a persistent cough, changes in voice, coughing up blood, weight loss, and shortness of breath.