Face Swelling Can Be A Sign for Lung Cancer?

Face Swelling A Sign of Lung Cancer: Do you know that lung cancer happens to be the second most common type of cancer globally? Well, the worst thing is that it affects men and women both. It means no one is safe from this dreaded disorder. It's also the leading cause of most causalities happening across the globe.

As per records, more than 2 lakh people are diagnosed with lung cancer and the number id constantly increasing. In some countries, lung cancer rate is increasing at a faster rate as compared to other countries.

As per experts, early detection of lung cancer can help in the survival rate. And so, people need to be cautious regarding changes in their bodies. At the same time, it is crucial to know the causes and symptoms of lung cancer so that you can stay protected from the disease.

In a recent study by scientists, face swelling is being connected with the occurrence of lung cancer. In other words, most experts believe that if you notice a swelling on your face, it may be due to the presence of lung cancer.

 

Face Swelling Can Be  A Sign for Lung Cancer?

Face swelling is also known as facial edema. It happens when excess fluids gets build up across the facial tissue. It becomes the reason of puffiness and inflammation around the region.

It can sometimes become the cause of lung cancer which can be a valid symptom of the dreaded disease as well. It's mainly because such lung tumors have the ability to obstruct blood flow in the area.

As per a case study conducted in the year 2018, superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is often become the cause of a lung cancer.

This is what the researchers wrote, "SVCS consists of symptoms and signs resulting from partial or complete obstruction of blood flow within the superior vena cava. Most cases are caused by underlying intrathoracic malignancy [meaning a cancerous tumor in the sternum, thoracic vertebrae, or ribs], of which up to 95 percent are due to lung cancer or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma," they wrote.

Please note that SVCS is mainly caused due to lung cancer or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, you may also develop such facial swelling for some other reasons as well.

And so, facial swelling can also happen due to hormonal disturbance, sinusitis, injury, bacterial infection, angioedema, preeclampsia or allergies. In any case, we advise you to speak with your doctor, especially if you experience swelling on your face.

In case, your face swells abnormally you need to seek immediate medical attention. It's mainly because sudden swelling of face can be due to anaphylaxis which is a life threatening medical ailment.

There are some other types of anaphylaxis that may include some other symptoms like rapid heart rate, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure (BP), hives, or itchy skin.

There are a group of people who may also experience some other symptoms like swelling in body parts, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea.

Symptoms like lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma happen to be some of the most common causes of SVCS. There are some other types of cancer\s that can also spread to the mediastinum. It's actually the space of in the chest between your lungs.

If your face swelling is caused because of the superior vena cava syndrome, there are chances that symptoms may get worsen with time. And if that happens, it causes some extra pressure on your Superior Vana Cava which can even block the blood flow.

In the same ways, there are people who may experience some other symptoms with SYCS. These symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, hoarseness, coughing and shortness of breath.

In case you experience an unusual swelling on your face, you need to talk to your physician immediately. Also check if you have some additional symptoms or if you are an existing cancer patient.

Also Read: Pleurocentesis (Thoracentesis) Procedure, Risks & Complications