Frequent shoulder pain? watch out, this could be a symptom of lung cancer

Shoulder pain usually occurs due to frequent carrying heavy bags or injuries during sports. However, if you suddenly experience frequent shoulder pain for no apparent reason, you should be vigilant. Because it could be, secretly there are health problems that begin to eat away at your body. One of them is a symptom of lung cancer.

Frequent shoulder pain can be a sign of lung cancer

Everyone with lung cancer experiences different symptoms. Usually, this is characterized by pain and tightness in the chest. However, some others actually feel pain in the shoulder. How come?

When a tumor forms in the upper part of the lung, it will press and pinch various nerves around the lung. Starting from the shoulders, arms, spine, to the head.

When the nerve connecting the lung and shoulder is pinched, the brain interprets the pain as if it is coming from the shoulder. When in fact, the nerves that are being disturbed are those in the lungs that are connected to the shoulder, not those located in the shoulder.

In addition, shoulder pain caused by lung cancer can also mean that the cancer has spread to the shoulder blades. Not only does it cause shoulder pain, but it often radiates up to the arm.

But remember, this does not mean that all cases of shoulder pain are definitely symptoms of lung cancer, huh! Because, the pain in your shoulder can also be caused by arthritis alone. It's good, consult the nearest doctor to determine the cause.

How to distinguish shoulder pain from lung cancer

You may still be confused and find it difficult to distinguish which shoulder pain is normal due to injury and which is caused by lung cancer.

The easy way is this. If you have a habit of carrying a heavy bag when you go to work or school, and then feel pain in your shoulder, then you can be sure that this habit is the cause.

On the other hand, if you have never had shoulder pain, but suddenly experience it frequently for no reason, then you should be vigilant. This may be a symptom of lung cancer, especially if the pain doesn't go away at rest.

Moreover, you are also a smoker who starts experiencing other symptoms of lung cancer such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and so on. To be sure, immediately consult a doctor for further tests.