Symptoms of lung cancer vary depending on the type, location, and size of the tumor. Many people with lung cancer have no symptoms until the disease has advanced into late stages. Some lung cancer symptoms are similar to those of other common illnesses. Advise your physician of your medical and social history at each physical examination to assist in a prompt and accurate diagnosis.
When lung cancer does cause symptoms, they can include the following:
- Coughing (most common)
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Fatigue
- Wheezing
- Pain in the chest, shoulder, upper back, or arm
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- Repeated pneumonia or bronchitis
- Loss of appetite (anorexia) and weight loss
- General pain
- Hoarseness
- Swelling of face or neck
- Pleural effusion
Some symptoms occur when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body. This spread is referred to as metastasis. Lung cancer can metastasize to the liver, the brain or the bones.
Symptoms for metastases can include the following:
Brain:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Liver:
- Stomach pain (right side)
- Jaundice
Bone:
