Lung Cancer Symptoms

Early symptoms of lung cancer

Some people with early stages of lung cancer will experience symptoms that are similar to other common lung conditions. Unlike a cold or respiratory infection, lung cancer symptoms will persist. However, early lung cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms and signs of the condition may only be found through a screening.   

When you catch lung cancer early, you have better lung cancer treatment options. That’s why it’s important to listen to what your body tells you and to speak to your medical provider about any persistent symptoms.

Non-small cell lung cancer symptoms

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer and causes different signs and symptoms in people. NSCLC grows slowly; not everyone will show signs of this type of lung cancer in the early stages. As cancer spreads, non-small cell lung cancer symptoms can also affect the brain, liver and bones.

Common symptoms of this type of lung cancer include:

• Persistent cough
• Blood in saliva
• Breathing or voice changes
• Poor appetite and unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Frequent infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Chest pain

Small-cell lung cancer symptoms

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) grows faster than non-small cell lung cancer (NCLC). However, it may not cause symptoms early on and can vary from person to person. As SCLC spreads in the lungs or to other parts of the body, you may have advanced-stage symptoms, such as bone pain, headache or lumps in your neck.

Some common symptoms of SCLC include:

• Ongoing cough
• Coughing up bloody mucus
• Breathing changes or wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Chest pain that increases with laughing or coughing
• Poor appetite and unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Frequent infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Swelling of the neck or face

Metastatic lung cancer symptoms

When lung cancer spreads to other areas of the body away from the original tumor, it’s called metastatic lung cancer. At this point, it is in the most advanced lung cancer stages and may lead to symptoms throughout the body.

Lung cancer often spreads to the bones, liver and brain. These new tumors or cancerous cells outside the original lung cancer location are known as secondary cancer.

• If lung cancer spreads and causes secondary bone cancer, symptoms include chronic bone and joint pain, pain that radiates down your legs or arms, or bone fractures.
• If the liver is affected, secondary liver cancer symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes, nausea, swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
• Lung cancer that spreads to the brain or spinal cord causes secondary brain cancer symptoms, such as headaches, seizures, vision changes, speech changes and memory or balance problems.

Frequently asked questions