Some aspects of small cell lung cancer, including treatments and complications, can cause moderate to severe pain. Symptoms of the cancer itself can vary widely from person to person. In the early stages, patients usually experience either minor symptoms or no symptoms at all. Patients often wonder is small cell lung cancer painful, but it may be different for each person. With this and other reasons, doctors often diagnose this aggressive cancer only after it spreads to other areas.
Once symptoms do develop, they may include chest pain. Patients may also experience pressure and discomfort from other symptoms, including chronic coughing, difficulty getting a full breath, and shortness of breath.
Small Cell Lung Cancer Can Cause Pain in Several Ways
Symptoms of small cell lung cancer can cause pain. These symptoms usually go unnoticed for an extended period of time, until the condition begins to impact the respiratory system. At this point, the tumor occupies more of the lung or spreads to nearby areas. The symptoms of this type of asbestos-related cancer include:
- Chest discomfort and pain that increases when inhaling, coughing, or laughing
- Pain with deep breaths
- Chronic coughing that seems to remain the same or worsen
- Sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty taking a full breath or other trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Productive coughs with blood in the sputum or rust-colored mucus
People with small cell lung cancer may also experience general symptoms that cause pain and discomfort, such as:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme fatigue
- Body aches
- Swelling in the face or bulging veins in the neck
Those With a Small Cell Lung Cancer Diagnosis May Experience Pain From Other Causes
It’s very common to be concerned if small cell lung cancer is painful upon diagnosis. While small cell lung cancer symptoms include pain, other aspects of this diagnosis can also be extremely painful. Not everyone experiences these things, but your doctor may be able to help you control the pain if you do.
Treatment-Related Pain
Some types of treatment can lead to painful conditions or recoveries. In general, the current treatments for small cell lung cancer do not work unless doctors discover the cancer early. When a doctor discovers this type of cancer at an earlier stage, though, removal may stop the cancer from progressing.
Recovery from removal may cause pain.
Some patients require chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and some side effects of these treatments can cause pain, as well.
Pain Related to the Spread of the Cancer
When cancer spreads, it can cause pain in many ways, depending on the areas of the body where it spreads. This type of cancer often spreads to the bones, bone marrow, brain, and spine.
Metastases to the bones can cause severe pain, often in the back or hips. When this type of cancer spreads to the brain, headaches and nervous system changes commonly occur.
Much of the treatment for advanced small cell lung cancer focuses on palliative therapy and care. This type of treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, which includes managing pain.
Pain Related to Complications
Pain can also result from some small cell lung cancer complications, including blood clots, broken bones caused by metastasis, pleural effusion, and more. If you develop painful complications, your doctor should be able to help you get the medications and other help you need to manage your pain.
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Small Cell Lung Cancer May Qualify You to File an Asbestos Lawsuit
If you can show a strong link between your small cell lung cancer and your history of asbestos exposure, you may be able to pursue compensation to help pay for your cancer treatment, related care, pain and suffering, and more. During the past several decades, workers who suffered occupational asbestos exposure have taken legal action against the asbestos companies. This mass tort continues today.
The asbestos company or companies who produced the dangerous materials that caused your cancer should pay for your treatment and care. By reaching a settlement with an asbestos trust fund or by taking your case to court and fighting for an award, you may get the compensation you deserve.
Talk to an Attorney About Your Small Cell Lung Cancer Diagnosis
If you endured a history of asbestos exposure, and a doctor diagnosed you with small cell lung cancer, an attorney from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will review your case for free. We know how to pursue compensation in asbestos cases, and we do not shy away from the toughest cases. If you are eligible to take legal action based on the strength of your case, we may be able to help.
Call (800) 217-6099 today to get started with a free case evaluation.
You will not pay us anything out of pocket or upfront. We will represent you throughout the process and take our fee only after we recover an award or reach a settlement on your behalf.
Call or text (800) 217-6099 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
