Lung cancer is among the leading causes of death in both men and women. Even though it is treatable, early detection and diagnosis are crucial. The two most common symptoms of the condition are believed to be persistent cough and shortness of breath, but in many cases, they do not appear until the advanced stages. So, here are a few other silent signs of lung cancer one should look out for.

Fatter fingertips
A few types of lung tumors produce hormone-like chemicals. These chemicals can push more fluid and blood to the fingertip tissues, making them look thicker or larger. Furthermore, the skin next to the nails can look shiny, and the nails may curve more. Statistics suggest that 80% of people with this symptom have lung cancer.

Stomach issues
Many people with lung cancer develop hypercalcemia, characterized by high amounts of calcium in the blood. The condition can lead to problems like stomach aches and constipation. Moreover, some hormone-like substances released by the tumors may cause kidney problems, leading to cramps and nausea.

Hoarseness or changes in voice
Some also notice a few changes in their voice, making it seem strained or raspy. This may happen due to the lung’s pressure on the nerve that controls the vocal cords. It can also be caused by irritation or injury to the vocal cords. This sudden change in voice may disappear after a short period, but it may be best to visit a doctor if one experiences longer episodes, as hoarseness could be a silent sign of lung cancer.

Upper body swelling and bruising
While swelling and bruises may be associated with injuries, they can also be caused by other conditions. A large vein in the body known as the superior vena cava carries blood from the head and arms to the heart. If a tumor presses down on the vein, it can lead to blood pooling and swelling in the upper arms, neck, and chest.

As lung cancer is a complicated disease, individuals should seek a doctor’s advice as soon as they notice any symptoms. It ensures timely diagnosis and treatment.

Multiple myeloma is a rare type of cancer that leads to accumulating cancer cells in the bone marrow. It alters the blood’s plasma cells and lowers the body’s production of disease-fighting antibodies, thus causing a wide range of symptoms in the process. However, the disease often has no signs in its early stages, making it challenging to identify. Therefore, here are the silent signs of multiple myeloma to look out for:

Fatigue
Healthy blood cells allow the body to fight disease and infections easily. However, with the increase of cancerous cells in the body, it has to work much harder to fight infections, causing fatigue and weakness.

Bone problems
Since myeloma affects the bone marrow, it can affect the process of bone cell formation, which can lead to problems like bone pain and brittle or broken bones.

Kidney problems
The breakdown of bone in the body leads to a rise in calcium levels, which can lead to several complications like increased thirst and urination, constipation, confusion, and kidney damage.

Low blood counts
The multiplication of myeloma cells in the body leads to crowding out healthy blood cells. This reduces the occurrence of red blood cells (anemia) and white blood cells (leukopenia), making one more susceptible to infections.

Frequent infections
Myeloma negatively impacts the occurrence of antibodies, making it challenging to fight infection-causing microbes.

Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in hands and feet
Myeloma cells produce an abnormal antibody called monoclonal immunoglobulin, or the M-protein. This protein is toxic to nerves and can cause a condition known as peripheral neuropathy, which leads to numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the hands and feet.

Hyperviscosity syndrome
High levels of M-protein in the body can cause blood to thicken, giving rise to symptoms like abnormal bleeding, headaches, chest pain, decreased alertness, or shortness of breath.

Conclusion
Multiple myeloma is diagnosed when there is a plasma cell tumor or at least 10 percent of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is along with the presence of one or more symptoms like high blood calcium cells, poor kidney function, anemia, tumors with holes in the bones, 60 percent or more plasma cells in the bone marrow, and increased levels of light chains. In addition, doctors may order several tests like CT scans, MRIs, bone X-rays, or lab tests to confirm the presence and spread of multiple myeloma before starting treatment.

The skin can look tired, aged, and become acne-prone for various reasons, such as air pollutants and seasonal changes. But there may also be times when you experience breakouts out of the blue and for no mistake of your own. However, certain habits you can control might be influencing your skin more than you realize. These can worsen the skin’s overall health and also lead to conditions like eczema if you aren’t careful.

6 habits to avoid for better skin health

Going out in the sun without SPF
One of the golden rules of having healthy skin is to use sun protection. This includes sunscreens, hats, and sunglasses. Being disciplined about using sun protection ensures that your skin remains free of sun damage and does not show early signs of aging. It is also an effective way of reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Using an unclean brush
Regularly and repeatedly using unclean makeup brushes can be a definitive way of damaging your skin. You might not be aware of it, but your makeup tools can be a trove of bacterial growth that can harm your skin. For example, they could cause rashes, acne, and infections and might, in rare cases, lead to skin pigmentation.

Having excess sugar
Acne is a condition leading to pimples, blackheads, and bumps on the skin. If you’ve been dealing with sudden acne outbreaks, it may be because of the rapid rise and fall in your blood sugar levels. Consistently including sugary beverages, bakery products, and desserts on the menu can cause an increase in insulin levels, which has been directly linked with heightened acne issues in people.

Eating lots of fried foods
Regularly eating deep-fried foods is a recipe for disastrous skin. It can lead to oily skin, clogged pores, and acne breakouts. The high amount of hydrogenated fats in these foods can cause the skin to appear aged and dull.

Using tanning salons
Tanning salons have long been established as an enemy of healthy skin. Not only do they cause premature skin aging, but they also contribute to an increased risk of skin cancer. Tanning beds are equivalent to staying out in the sun without sun protection.

Experiencing a lot of stress
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is known to cause inflamed, itchy, and dry skin. The chronic condition is commonly seen in children but can also occur in adults and is not contagious. Stress can impact your overall health, and your skin is also in its firing line. It is a common trigger for patients with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. When they experience elevated stress levels, it aggravates their symptoms and causes flare-ups.

A strong immune system is an essential part of leading a healthy life. A healthy immune system incorporates organs, tissues, proteins, and bodily processes that help fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other foreign bodies. There are multiple ways to improve and maintain a strong immune system, one of which is to eat certain foods. Read on to learn more about foods that help in boosting one’s immune system.

Yogurt
Yogurt and other probiotic foods are essential to improving the body’s immune system. These foods help to improve the microbiome and bacteria that reside in the gut and the digestive tract. These bacteria play a crucial role in regulating the immune system. They also help ensure that the immune system only attacks infection and harmful bacteria and viruses but not healthy cells and tissue in the body. Besides yogurt, you can add other probiotic foods like kimchi and kombucha to your meals.

Fatty fish
Fatty and oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and more contain loads of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids are linked with lower risks of developing conditions such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and even eczema. It also helps with the prevention of certain autoimmune disorders and even cancer.

Broccoli
Broccoli contains tons of essential nutrients, and antioxidants such as sulforaphane, and vitamin C, among others. It makes Broccoli an important vegetable to add to your meals. Studies have found that vitamin C can help improve certain components of the human immune system, including antimicrobial and killer cell activities, chemotaxis, and more.

Garlic
Garlic has been used as a natural remedy since ancient times. It is filled with sulfuric compounds that act as antiseptics. Garlic also possesses antifungal and antiviral properties. Eating raw or lightly cooked garlic is recommended because high heat can deactivate the essential compounds in garlic.

Blueberries
Blueberries contain a flavonoid that is known as anthocyanin. It contains antioxidant properties that help boost the body’s immune system. Flavonoids present in blueberries have also been linked with improved immune system defense in the respiratory tract.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal is rich in fibers and contains beta-glucans that help improve the immune system. It does so by boosting the white blood cells in the body. Fibers can also have many other benefits, including lowering bad cholesterol and improving the digestive processes.

These foods can prove to be of help in boosting the immune system if a person is going through the flu. Besides these, one can also try other remedies such as eating honey, sipping warm liquids, staying hydrated, and resting properly.

Menopause is a natural event in a woman’s life as their menstrual cycles come to an end. The phenomenon leads to a reduction in the estrogen hormone, which may affect one’s metabolism. The changes may also lead to declining bone density, hot flashes, and irregular sleep patterns. The symptoms of menopause may sometimes last for years. Therefore, women must follow a proper meal plan to cope and manage during the transition.

Salmon
Fatty fish like salmon are known for their heart-healthy properties called omega-3 fatty acids. These acids can improve an individual’s mood and brain function. The properties can also keep blood pressure levels in check and regulate symptoms like hot flashes.

Broccoli
Vegetables like broccoli are beneficial for the human body in several ways, including managing the symptoms of menopause. Broccoli contains calcium, which is known to build bone strength. It can also improve estrogen levels responsible for curbing the risk of breast cancer.

Eggs
Eggs are flush with vitamin D and iron, essential for women going through menopause. The food also contains healthy proteins known to reduce cholesterol levels and curb the risk of heart disease.

Oatmeal
Adding whole grains such as oatmeal to a meal plan can boost the fiber levels in one’s body. Eating the food may help manage symptoms of menopause by lowering cholesterol, regulating blood sugar levels, and preventing constipation.

Olive oil
One should consider using olive oil instead of regular cooking oil because it has certain fats that manage hormone levels, appetite, vitamin absorption, and insulin response. It makes olive oil essential for women experiencing menopause and the symptoms associated with the condition.

Soybeans
Including plant-based protein sources in regular meals like soybeans may help reduce symptoms like inflammation and oxidative stress. The legume is also beneficial for ovarian function as it may delay the onset of early menopause and improve female reproductive function.

Yogurt
Women going through menopause should eat low-fat dairy products like yogurt to counter its effects. In addition, the food contains proteins, which help prevent the risk of osteoporosis by improving bone density previously affected by low estrogen levels.

Grilled chicken
Another way to manage the symptoms of menopause includes eating grilled chicken. The food contains lean proteins, which may help improve muscle mass and bone strength in women faced with menopause.

When one suffers from multiple myeloma, this blood cancer forms in their healthy plasma cells. These white blood cells can produce antibodies that identify bacteria and fight them, helping prevent illness. In this disorder, the bone marrow produces too many cancerous plasma cells, which replace normal blood cells. In addition, an abnormal protein produced by these cancer cells can lead to complications. Here are early signs of multiple myeloma that one should know.

Early signs of multiple myeloma
While this condition may not cause symptoms in the early stages, it can lead to various severities. It is usually discovered during a routine blood test or, in some cases, a urine test. Some of the early signs of multiple myeloma include the following:

Bone pain
This condition can directly affect bone density and lead to pain in the back, ribs, and hip bones. Usually, people experience it as a dull, aching pain that gets worse with movement. Weak bone strength can also result in fractures of the spine and long bones like the arms and legs. It can also compress the spinal cord, causing numbness in the legs.

Anemia
Anemia interferes with blood cell production in the bone marrow, resulting in the body’s lack of red blood cells. Such a problem occurs when plasma cells from myeloma suffocate or crowd out healthy red blood cells. Anemia could also be a side effect of myeloma treatment. Low red blood cell counts in the body cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Repeated infections
People with multiple myeloma are particularly vulnerable to infections because the condition disrupts the immune system. Low immunity can cause fever and infections, particularly in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Such an issue makes fighting infections harder.

Raised blood calcium levels
Excess calcium released into the bloodstream from damaged bones can cause hypercalcemia. Its symptoms include intense thirst, stomach pain, frequent urination, constipation, and drowsiness.

Unusual bleeding
Cancerous cells in the bone marrow may prevent the production of platelets, i.e., blood-clotting cells. Those with multiple myeloma may develop bruises and bleed, including heavy menstrual cycles, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums.

Thickened blood
Excess proteins produced by myeloma cells may cause the blood to thicken more than usual. This disorder is known as hyperviscosity and can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

One should report symptoms to a doctor to avoid complications and get prompt treatment.

When affected by cancer, one’s healthy cells grow and mutate uncontrollably. Breast cancer develops when the cells in the breast lobules, ducts, or connective tissue multiply abnormally, affecting various areas of the organ. Breast cancer accounts for nearly 30% of the diagnosed cancer cases among women in the country. Even men are at risk of developing one of its subtypes. So, here are some of the early signs of the condition one can observe:

Lumps
If one notices a new lump under the breast or arms, it should be checked immediately, as this excess growth could indicate abnormal cell mutation. This is a clearly noticeable early sign of breast cancer. Lumps that persist even after experiencing normal periods could indicate cancer development. These lumps can develop with irregular hard edges, primarily indicating the presence of cancerous tissue.

Changes in the nipples
One should also check for changes in the shape of the nipple. If there is any retraction or inversion of the nipple causing pain that persists for a while, one should immediately seek professional assistance. A clear, brownish, yellowish, or reddish discharge from one or both breasts could also indicate the initial stages of breast cancer.

Redness and itchiness
Breast cancer also presents several surface irritation symptoms, including redness in a particular spot, persistent itching, skin irritation, a developing rash, and swelling in the affected area. The swelling can also affect the shape of the breasts.

Changes in skin texture
Dimpling of the skin where the area under the breasts starts to resemble the texture of an orange peel with visible pitting is another clear early sign of breast cancer. Skin texture may also change in the areas surrounding the nipples resulting in peeling or flaking of the skin.

Abrupt changes in the shape
Changes in the color of the breast, an increase in size that happens over a brief time, and thickening of the newly formed lumps are all visible signs of breast cancer. As cancer progresses, the breasts may feel warm and tender to the touch, often resulting in pain upon contact. Visible size differences, heaviness, aches in the breasts, and the development of swollen lymph nodes under the arm are also early signs of inflammatory breast cancer.

Breast cancer can be invasive, noninvasive, inflammatory, or metastatic, among other commonly diagnosed types. Further, its symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the severity and type. 

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory immune condition that causes eosinophils to build up in the esophagus lining. This build-up can lead to symptoms such as trouble with swallowing food, allergic reactions, chest pain, and more. The condition is caused mainly due to allergic reactions to outside food substances. This is why it is important to avoid certain types of food and food allergens and instead opt for a few healthy alternatives such as:

Dairy-free alternatives
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, ghee, etc., should be avoided to manage eosinophilic esophagitis, as dairy products are common food allergens. Long exposure to these foods could lead to the development of eosinophilic esophagitis. Individuals who have EoE should switch to dairy-free alternatives instead of dairy products. They can try milk substitutes from coconut, hemp, and even rice. Moreover, dairy-free cheese and yogurt give the essential nutrients a body requires for smooth functioning.

Nuts
Nuts are also a big no-no when it comes to eosinophilic esophagitis. Those with this condition should avoid nuts like peanuts and cashews. They should also avoid nut butter, nut-based foods, and nut milk. That said, some nuts are safe for consumption, even with eosinophilic esophagitis. These include macadamia nuts and pine nuts. Seeds are comparatively safe, and those with eosinophilic esophagitis can have sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and more to their meals. Coconut is also a safe food and can be added to meal plans. It is recommended to check in with a healthcare professional about what food works and what doesn’t.

Gluten-free grains and foods
Grain allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to certain proteins. These proteins could also trigger eosinophilic esophagitis if consumed for a long period of time. Grain allergies are typically caused due to the protein known as gluten which is found in wheat and other grains. This is why one must eliminate grains from their meal. It also means removing foods, such as pasta and bread, that contains gluten and other triggering proteins. Instead, one can opt for gluten-free foods and substitute wheat with amaranth, arrowroot, legumes, corn, rice, and even rye.

Meat
Fish is another common food that has proven unsafe for those with eosinophilic esophagitis. This is why avoiding all types of seafood, including shellfish, crabs, oysters, and shrimp is safer. Instead, switching to chicken, turkey, and other healthy meat sources is better for getting a lean protein intake.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the esophagus. This condition can make it difficult to swallow and easier for food to get stuck in the food pipe. People with EoE develop allergic reactions to certain foods, causing their esophagi to swell up and become narrow. Doctors may recommend an elimination method to understand which foods trigger EoE in patients. The most common foods that trigger Eosinophilic Esophagitis are:

Eggs: Apart from whole eggs, also avoid any foods that contain eggs, such as eggnog, mayonnaise, meringue, surimi, and egg substitutes. Beware of egg content in baked goods and puddings. Ingredients to watch out for in packaged goods include albumin, lysozyme, ovalbumin, lecithin, globulin, and ovovitellin.

Wheat: Avoid foods rich in wheat, such as bread, couscous, crackers, most flours, pasta, and pizza crusts. Wheat ingredients to look out for are bulgar, durum, einkorn, emmer, farina, Kamut, matzoh, semolina, spelt, and triticale. Instead, opt for gluten-free foods made from potato, rice, or tapioca.

Soy: Soy-rich foods to avoid include edamame, miso, natto, shoyu, soy sauce, soybean, tamari, tempeh, tofu, and Quorn. Soy ingredients can be found on packaged goods under the name of soy, soy flour, soy fiber, soy protein, and textured vegetable protein.

Peanuts and tree nuts: Avoid all nuts and lychees. Watch out for ingredients like nut meal, nut meat, nut milk, nut extracts, nut paste, and peanut oil in packaged/pre-cooked foods.

Fish: Avoid all fish and shellfish like krill, barnacle, crab, crayfish, lobster, shrimp, and prawns. Ingredients to avoid include imitation fish, fish stock, fish sauce, seafood flavoring, surimi, and bouillabaisse.

Dairy: Milk and milk products to avoid include cheese, butter, cream, custard, cow’s milk, half-and-half, pudding, sour cream, and yogurt. It is also advisable to avoid ingredients like casein, diacetyl, lactalbumin, lactose, lactulose, recaldent, rennet casein, tagatose, and whey.

In line with their doctor’s consultations and guidance plans, many people with EoE experiment with the elimination method, where they stop eating these six items daily and slowly reintroduce them one at a time. A few weeks after introducing a food item back into the system, an endoscopy is performed to determine the underlying cause of inflammation and check for improvements. Common foods that are advisable to eat when dealing with EoE include meats (chicken, turkey, pork, and beef), rice (white, brown, or wild), potatoes, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil.

The metabolic functions of the body are regulated by the thyroid gland through the production of hormones. When affected by thyroid cancer, one could experience health complications and should seek immediate treatment to remove the tumor. However, when treating the condition, it is critical to make better food choices. This can help reduce symptoms and avoid interfering with the treatment. So, here are some foods to choose from while undergoing thyroid cancer treatment:

Vegetables
Fresh vegetables, especially cruciferous and green vegetables, are crucial components of all meal plans. They are rich in magnesium and minerals, making them excellent nutrient sources. Green vegetables also help improve metabolism, particularly in the thyroid gland. So, people with the condition should opt for foods like spinach and lettuce. These vegetables can also help with symptoms like muscle pain, fatigue, and an irregular heartbeat due to their high magnesium content.

Fruits and berries
Many fruits, such as strawberries, tomatoes, raspberries, bananas, and apples, are high in antioxidants. These help with thyroid function and help fight toxic substances that can worsen thyroid-related issues. Thes fruits also support the body’s ability to stay healthy and fight diseases.

Nuts
Almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of magnesium. These nuts are also high in plant protein, vitamin B, vitamin E, and other minerals that aid thyroid gland function. So, one should opt for these foods when undergoing thyroid cancer treatment.

Seafood
Seafood like shrimp, crab, and fish provide energy to the body, keeping it healthy. They also contain various thyroid-friendly nutrients, such as iodine, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, B vitamins, and selenium. Fish contains lean protein, amino acids, magnesium, and vitamin B. However, one should consult their doctor before opting for seafood, as some treatment procedures call for low-iodine meal plans.

Egg whites
Egg whites are high in protein and can help people maintain their strength and recover quicker when undergoing cancer treatment. Simply boiling eggs is the most efficient way of getting essential nutrients.

Fresh meat
While one should limit their processed meat intake, opting for limited portions of fresh and organic meat can help provide proteins. Chicken breast is one of the best options here. 

To avoid complications, consult your healthcare provider before adding or removing any item from your regular meals.