Washington, Sept 4 : A research has suggested that arthritis of the knee may be the first sign of a type of lung cancer, which is difficult to treat, in heavy smokers.
The researchers studied the case notes of all patients suffering form rheumatic disorders.
Between 2000 and 2005, of 6500 patients, 296 (4.4 pct) were cases of monoarthritis-inflammation in just one joint-of the knee.