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Copywriting丨Health Science Doctor Wang
Editor丨Health Science Doctor Wang
Have you ever heard that certain subtle changes in your body can be a warning sign of a serious illness?
What we are going to talk about is an unexpected "body code" - the abnormality of the shoulder may be closely related to lung cancer! Don't shake your head in a hurry, this is not alarmist, but a corner of the mystery that is gradually being unveiled by the medical community.
Imagine if one day, your shoulder starts to ache or you feel something unusual, you might think it's just a natural sign of being too tired from work or getting older.
But you know what? These seemingly inconspicuous shoulder problems may be the body whispering to you, "Hey, something is wrong!" ”
Abnormal signals in the shoulder: the "invisible messenger" of lung cancer?
The shoulder, the "bridge" connecting the head and torso, carries our daily activities, and often bears all kinds of pressure silently.
But you know what? When lung cancer creeps in, it can also become a "mouthpiece" of the disease. This is not a fabrication. Medical studies have found that some lung cancer patients, during the development of the disease, will experience symptoms of shoulder pain.
This may sound a little unbelievable, after all, how can the lungs and shoulders, which seem to be two parts that cannot be touched by eight poles, be related?
Lung Cancer and the Shoulder: A Hidden Passage
To unravel this mystery, we must first understand the "cunning enemy" of lung cancer.
Lung cancer, as the "number one killer" of cancer, often develops quietly, but once it breaks out, it is often at an advanced stage. The reason why it can affect the shoulder is actually related to a special type of lung cancer - superior sulcus tumor.
Suprasulcus tumor, a frowning-sounding name, grows at the tip of the lung, next to the shoulder. As the "uninvited guest" grows, it begins to compress the surrounding nerves and tissues, including the plexus that connects the shoulder to the arm.
In this way, symptoms such as shoulder pain, numbness, and even weakness naturally appear.
But that's not all.
Lung cancer cells have a "bad habit", that is, they like to "go around". They can spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body, including the bones and muscles of the shoulder.
Once you "set up camp" here, symptoms such as pain and swelling will follow.
The "distress signal" of the shoulder, do you understand it?
In the face of these abnormal signals in the shoulder, how do we interpret them? Experts warn that while shoulder pain is not necessarily the "masterpiece" of lung cancer, you or someone close to you should be extra careful if you or someone close to you has the following conditions:
Persistent shoulder pain: This pain may not be severe, but it can be like a "stubborn molecule" that is always pestering you. It may lessen when you rest, but once you are active, it will "come back".
Restricted shoulder movement: You find that your shoulders become less "obedient" when you do some of your daily movements. For example, it becomes difficult to lift your hands, comb your hair, or put on and take off your clothes.
Accompanied by other symptoms: In addition to shoulder discomfort, you may also experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, or cough and phlegm. These symptoms are like "prankster friends", always walking together.
If you find yourself or someone close to you has any of the above symptoms, then don't hesitate to go to the hospital for a check-up! After all, early detection and early treatment are the "golden rules" in the fight against disease.
Scientific Decoding: The "Inextricable Links" of Shoulder and Lung Cancer
We also can't conclude that we or someone else has lung cancer just because of some symptoms of our shoulder. There are various causes of shoulder pain, such as frozen shoulder, cervical spondylosis, etc., which can make the shoulder "miserable".
But scientific research does give us some clues. Studies have found that when patients with superior sulcus tumor develop shoulder symptoms, they are often accompanied by other lung cancer symptoms, such as cough and hemoptysis.
And through further examination of these patients, the doctors did find "uninvited guests" in their lungs.
There are also studies that suggest that shoulder pain may be a "paraneoplastic syndrome" of lung cancer.
To put it simply, when lung cancer cells do evil, they release substances that can affect other parts of the body, including the shoulders, causing a series of symptoms.
Expert opinion: shoulder abnormality, a "wake-up call" that cannot be ignored
What do experts think about these subtle changes in the shoulder? They generally agree that while shoulder pain is not necessarily the "masterpiece" of lung cancer, it is a symptom that cannot be ignored.
"The shoulder pain could be the body telling you that something is wrong." "This symptom should be especially vigilant for those who have a history of smoking, long-term exposure to harmful substances, or a family history of genetic history." ”
Another expert stressed: "Early detection of lung cancer is crucial. If symptoms can be detected and treated at an early stage, the survival rate and quality of life of patients can be significantly improved. ”
Your health, take care of yourself: a "self-check" trick for your shoulders
After hearing so much, have you started to pay attention to your shoulders? Don't worry, take care of your health and start with your daily routine.
Below, I will teach you a few simple "self-check" tips to keep track of the health of your shoulders at any time:
Observe regularly: Look in the mirror from time to time or ask a family member to help you see if your shoulders are swollen, deformed, or your skin has changed color.
Feel the change: Gently touch your shoulder with your hand to feel for unusual lumps or tender points. Also pay attention to whether the range of motion of the shoulder is restricted.
Pay attention to symptoms: In addition to the discomfort of the shoulder itself, it is also necessary to pay attention to whether there are other symptoms, such as cough and chest tightness. These symptoms are like "healthy little spies" that can give you a lot of clues.
Seek medical attention: If you notice any unusual changes in your shoulder, or if you have other symptoms, don't hesitate to go to the hospital.
Conclusion: The "little secret" of the shoulder is related to your big health
The shoulder, a seemingly ordinary body part, may hide a big secret about your health. Lung cancer, a disease that makes people smell and discolor, may also quietly "warn" you through abnormal signals in the shoulder.
But panic is not our "ally". In the face of any subtle changes in the body, we should remain calm and interpret it scientifically.
And when you find that there is anything unusual in your shoulder, it is wisest to seek medical attention in time.
The above content is for reference only, if you feel unwell, please consult a medical professional. If you like it, you can pay attention to it, share health knowledge every day, and be your exclusive online doctor.