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 Hi
I am 29 years old. Female. Ex smoker. Quit 6 months ago. Used to smoke 5-6 cigarettes a day for past 12 years.
Have mild asthma. For almost a year i have noticed that whenever i have cold like symptoms i tend to get an internal itchy sensation in my right shoulder/upper back area (seems like it is coming from the right lung)
My question is does this sound like a symptom of lung cancer? I suffer from rhinitis and have no other lung symptoms other than the constant runny nose, sneezing a lot, itchy ears and throat. I have recently been to my GP an he has listened to my lungs several times and says that they sound clear. Also i have noticed that the itching sensation does at times feel like a mild burning sensation in my upper back/shoulder area.
As i am a recent ex smoker i am scared. Please advise.
Answer Dear mas,
Sorry for the delay. Congrats on quitting. that is great.
No this does not wound like a symptom of lung cancer. Your risk of that is actually very low.
But a check up would be a good idea. Your lungs will be recovering for some time.
