Knee pain… a sign of lung cancer? at He's Fit

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Knee pain… a sign of lung cancer?

Posted September 4, 2007 at 04:00 PM by Megan Hueter

Section: In The News, His Health, Physical Health, Lifestyle Health

knee pain2 A research study published today in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (ANI), has suggested that arthritis of the knee may be the first sign of non-small cell lung cancer, which is difficult to treat, in heavy smokers. The researchers studied the case notes of all patients suffering form rheumatic disorders.

There are 2 main types of lung cancer and they are treated differently, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). According to the American Cancer Society, about 85% of all lung cancers are of the non-small cell type. There are 3 sub-types of NSCLC. The cells in these sub-types differ in size, shape, and chemical make-up. The three types include squamous cell carcinoma, (about 25% to 30% of all lung cancers are of this kind. They are linked to smoking and tend to be found near the bronchus), adenocarcinoma (this type accounts for about 40% of lung cancers. It is usually found in the outer part of the lung), and large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma (about 10% to 15% of lung cancers are this type. It can start in any part of the lung. It tends to grow and spread quickly).

And this study shows that knee pain may be the first sign of non-small cell lung cancer in heavy smokers. Between 2000 and 2005, of 6500 patients, 296 (4.4 %) were cases of monoarthritis—inflammation in just one joint—of the knee. Among this group of patients, the knee arthritis, which was very mild, was the first sign of as yet undiagnosed non-small cell lung cancer in just under 2 pct. All the patients were middle-aged men, who had been heavy smokers.

The good news is - in every case - the lung cancer was operable, and once the cancerous tissue had been removed, the knee symptoms subsided. Non-small cell lung cancer is linked to other conditions, which feature abnormal growths in up to 20% of cases, say the authors of the study. And spread to the bones occurs in around one in five cases. However, the authors note that this is the first time this has been linked to arthritis.

The importance of this study is in the early detection. Non-small cell lung cancer is particularly difficult to treat unless caught early, and in over half the cases diagnosed, the disease is already advanced. “Features that could act as early warning signs are therefore especially important,” said the authors.

But - I would go as far as to say that if you quit the heavy smoking, you wouldn’t even have to read this article.

Research sources and more information: [eBiologyNews]; [American Cancer Society]; [picture1]; [picture2]