Lung cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably. In the early stages, it may be asymptomatic or cause only very few symptoms. However, once the disease progresses, people begin to experience noticeable symptoms related to breathing and overall health. The lung cancer symptoms can vary from person to person, and some may mimic common breathing problems such as asthma, chest infections, or other lung issues. This is why it is important to watch out for the early signs and symptoms of lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of lung cancer during the initial stage are mild; meanwhile, they may get worse once the disease advances. We can divide them into early signs and advanced symptoms:

Early Signs of Lung Cancer

As mentioned earlier, most of the people may not have any early symptoms. However, once the disease progresses, they may start experiencing several symptoms which may need attention, such as:

• Persistent or unexplained cough

• Coughing up blood (which can also be rust-coloured)

• Loss of appetite

• Unexplained fatigue or weakness

• Shortness of breath

• Chest infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which are recurrent or frequent

• Weight loss without a known cause

• Hoarseness (unusual changes in voice)

• Chest pain which gets worse with coughing, laughing or even breathing

• Recently developed wheezing (new-onset)

Moreover, having any one or two of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that you have lung cancer. It is important to consult your doctor for proper evaluation, as there are other conditions which can cause similar symptoms.

Advanced Symptoms

Lung cancer symptoms can become advanced when the cancer starts spreading to other parts of the body. Additional symptoms may include:

• Pain in the hip, back or other bones

• Severe shoulder pain

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness, headache, seizures, weakness or numbness of the arms or problems with balancing (if the cancer spreads to the brain)

• Jaundice, which can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes (if cancer affects the liver)

• Enlarged (swollen) lymph nodes in the neck or upper chest area (collarbone)

• Swelling of the face, neck or arms

• Drooping of one eyelid or changes in one pupil (same side)

• Muscle cramps or weakness

• Difficulty speaking or swallowing

Note: The type and severity of symptoms depend on the location and extent of the cancer. Some people may experience several symptoms, whereas others may notice only one or two.

Who May Be at Risk?

So many factors can enhance the risk of getting lung cancer. Therefore, people who have these risk factors should be more cautious. The common risk factors of lung cancer include:

• Smoking tobacco

• Exposure to second-hand smoke

• Prolonged exposure to chemicals like radon, asbestos, or certain workplace chemicals such as uranium, arsenic, mustard gas, vinyl chloride, etc

• Use of certain dietary supplements

• Air pollution

• A family history of lung cancer

• Previous radiation treatments to the chest or lungs

Nevertheless, having one or two risk factors doesn’t mean that you'll definitely get lung cancer. People with risk factors are expected to take precautions, like avoiding smoking and exposure to radiation, maintaining workplace safety, etc. However, some of these factors, such as family history, cannot be changed.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Consulting a doctor is very important if you experience lung cancer symptoms such as a persistent cough which does not improve, recurrent chest infections, unexpected weight loss, breathlessness, or blood in the cough. Do not delay medical attention if these symptoms continue or worsen. As the symptoms may have different causes, early diagnosis helps with proper treatment and appropriate care.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Early screening and diagnosis are very important, as they may improve treatment outcomes and can increase the chances of survival. It can also reduce treatment costs sometimes. However, symptoms alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. Doctors may use several diagnostic tests, such as laboratory tests, imaging tests (X-ray, CT scan, etc.), etc., based on the symptoms and medical history of the patient. A biopsy may be conducted in some cases to confirm the diagnosis.