This facial change could be a sign of lung cancer, pulmonologists say

Lung cancer is one of the most fearsome. An unknown sign, visible in the mirror, can alert you to the disease.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. This is also the case in France, where 52,777 new cases were estimated in 2023. While smoking is the main cause, at 85%, of this type of cancer, other risk factors exist, particularly following exposure to carcinogenic substances. Cancer should be diagnosed as early as possible to increase the chances of recovery.

Unfortunately, symptoms often appear much later, once the cancer has reached an advanced stage. The best known are coughing, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain, fatigue, sudden weight loss, etc. Other signs, less easy to perceive, can also be warning signs.

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This is particularly true of a very specific sign of lung cancer that can be seen by looking in the mirror. It is a drooping face, associated with a lack of sweating on one side. “These symptoms may reflect a lesion or mass in the upper part, or apex, of the lung,” said pulmonologist Jimmy Johannes, from the magazine Parade.

Certain nerves of the face are, in fact, linked to the upper part of the lung. If the lung is affected, these nerves are also affected: “A tumor in the upper part of the lung can involve these nerves, leading to neurological symptoms,” explains the specialist. A drooping eyelid can also be noticeable, as can a constricted pupil.

Facial drooping is not a systematic symptom of lung cancer. It can also be associated with a stroke, an aneurysm, or Bell's palsy. In all cases, you should seek medical attention quickly. “If you suspect lung cancer, I recommend that you consult a doctor to assess your situation and your risk of lung cancer (…) If the suspicion is high enough, a chest X-ray and a chest CT scan may be necessary,” insists the specialist. If not smoking is the first obvious piece of advice, a healthy lifestyle combining healthy eating and sports is also widely recommended.