What Are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?

A persistent cough is one of the symptoms of lung cancer.

You may not notice signs of lung cancer in its early stages. In fact, many lung cancers are found through a chest X-ray taken for other reasons.

When early lung cancer does cause symptoms, they’re often health problems you’d have anyway if you smoke. For example, some early signs of lung cancer include shortness of breath and the inability to exercise without feeling out of breath or coughing.

A tumor may be present for 5 years before any symptoms are noticed. These are some of the common symptoms of lung cancer in its later stages. Call your doctor if you notice any of them. These are listed in alphabetical order.

• Appetite loss or unexpected weight loss of 5 to 10 lbs.

• Bone pain

• Breathing problems, such as a sudden shortness of breath or wheezing

• Chest pain that is constant

• Cough that doesn’t go away and gets worse over time

• Coughing up blood or rust-colored mucus

• Fatigue

• Headache, seizures, or confusion

• Hoarseness

• Pain in your upper back that remains in one place and is constant for several days

• Pain in your shoulder or arm

• Pneumonia or bronchitis occurring more than usual for you

• Swelling of your neck and face

• Swollen joints

• Personality changes

• Walking difficulty

Click to enlarge: Symptoms based on location of tumor

Remember: These symptoms may be caused by lung cancer or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to check with a doctor to be sure.