AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Question QUESTION: Hi i am 30 years old and quit smoking 6 months ago. I used to smoke about 6-7 a day for approx 11 years.
I have mild asthma which is rarely active.
Recently i have started to experience an odd symptom. It is like a slight burning but itchy feeling in my upper back under my shoulder blade. i reach to scrath it but cannot as it is deep inside, under the skin. I am not sure if the lungs are situated there but sometimes i fear it is must becoming from there. I have no wheezing, coughing shortness of breath but just this awful feeling. My doctor has listened to my chest and said it sounds clear.
I am concerned. Does this sound like a symptom of a serious disease such as lung cancer?
Thank you.
ANSWER: Dear Aliya,
Congratulations on quitting!
Given your moderate smoking and young age, it is very unlikely to be lung cancer, and the symptoms do not fit. It sounds more like a muscle or nerve problem, your lungs are in front.
You might consult a physical therapist. A chiropractor might also help.
If it doesn't go away or gets worse I would see your doctor and and another who could order an ultrasound or CT scan.
I hope that this helps,
Michael
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for the reply! I hope you don't mind me asking but when the doctors listen to your lungs why do they listen through your back if your lungs are at the front? Also you mentioned that the synptoms do not fit foor a lung disease such as lung cancer, what would the symptoms be like?
Once again thank you very much for your time.
A
Answer Aliya,
Your lungs of course are inside your chest and can be listened to from either side. Doctors listen mostly to the lungs from the back, because in front you will also hear the heart.
* A new cough in a smoker or a former smoker should raise concern for lung cancer.
* A cough that does not go away or gets worse over time should be evaluated by a health-care provider.
* Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) occurs in a significant number of people who have lung cancer. Any amount of coughed-up blood is cause for concern.
* Chest pain is a symptom in about one-fourth of people with lung cancer. The pain is dull, aching, and persistent and may involve other structures surrounding the lung.
* Shortness of breath usually results from a blockage to the flow of air in part of the lung, collection of fluid around the lung (pleural effusion), or the spread of tumor throughout the lungs.
* Wheezing or hoarseness may signal blockage or inflammation in the lungs that may go along with cancer.
* Repeated respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, can be a sign of lung cancer.
