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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Smoking Addiction, Cough Up Sputum, Pain Behind Shoulder Blade On Coughing That Radiates To Arms And Neck. Lung Cancer?

I have been a smoker for seven years, starting when I was 12. I have been a heavy smoker for about 5 and am up to about a pack a day now. I have a new cough that s presented itself. I cough up sputum and phlegm , but nothing exits the mouth so I cannot identify blood if present. There is a good deal of pain behind my right shoulder blade when I cough that radiates to my arm and up my neck. It is difficult to breathe often after climbing a set of stairs or mild running, even in the shortest of distances. Should I be concerned about lung cancer?
Sat, 23 Feb 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response


Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Your symptoms such as cough, breathing difficulty (especially on exertion) and chest pain could be indicative of a respiratory or a cardiac problem. They are not specific symptoms of lung cancer, but definitely warrant urgent medical attention.

I would advise you to have a detailed evaluation by a doctor, including certain tests like a chest X-ray and ECG, in order to determine the cause of your problems. It is also obvious that your heavy smoking seems to be the primary cause of these problems, and so, stopping smoking would be the only option.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
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Smoking Addiction, Cough Up Sputum, Pain Behind Shoulder Blade On Coughing That Radiates To Arms And Neck. Lung Cancer?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. Your symptoms such as cough, breathing difficulty (especially on exertion) and chest pain could be indicative of a respiratory or a cardiac problem. They are not specific symptoms of lung cancer, but definitely warrant urgent medical attention. I would advise you to have a detailed evaluation by a doctor, including certain tests like a chest X-ray and ECG, in order to determine the cause of your problems. It is also obvious that your heavy smoking seems to be the primary cause of these problems, and so, stopping smoking would be the only option. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist