Lung cancer is one of the most serious types of cancer to be diagnosed, as it’s usually difficult to spot until it has spread to other parts of the body. But it’s also one of the most common cancers to be diagnosed in the UK, warned the NHS. Signs of the disease only tend to reveal themselves once the cancer has spread through the lungs. You could be at risk of the disease if you notice the pupils in your eyes becoming smaller.
Lung cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages
Canadian Cancer Society
Having smaller pupils could be a warning sign of lung cancer, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
It’s a sign of Horner syndrome, which is a group of symptoms linked to lung cancer.
If you have Horner syndrome symptoms, you may have a disruption in the nerve pathway between your brain and the face.
In this case, lung cancer may have spread to the nerves found at the top of the lung, warned the society.
“Lung cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages,” it said.
“Signs and symptoms often appear as the tumour grows and causes changes in the body such as a cough or shortness of breath.
“Signs and symptoms are the same for small cell lung cancer and non–small cell lung cancer.
“Horner syndrome is a group of symptoms that may be a sign of lung cancer that is growing into the nerves found at the top of the lung.
“Symptoms include severe shoulder pain, drooping or weakness of the eyelid or a smaller pupil in the eye, very little or no sweating on the same side of the face as the eye with the eyelid or pupil changes.”
Horner syndrome can be life-threatening, so it’s crucial that you seek medical help straight away.
Meanwhile, your smaller pupils could also be caused by rheumatic disease, some skin diseases, and even a head injury.
Other lung cancer symptoms include having a cough that won’t go away, feeling short of breath, and hoarseness.
Speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the signs or symptoms of lung cancer.
The outlook for lung cancer isn’t as good as other types of cancer, as the symptoms are usually only spotted in its later stages.
About one in three patients live for at least a year after their diagnosis, while one in 20 live for another 10 years.
Around 45,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK every year.
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