Lung Cancer Symptoms

In the early stages, lung cancer often has no symptoms. Your lungs have few nerve endings, so a tumor can grow without causing pain, and signs may not appear until the cancer has spread. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Chronic, hacking, raspy coughing, sometimes with mucus that has blood in it
• Changes in a long-standing cough
• Recurrent respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia
• Worsening shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Persistent chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Trouble swallowing
• Shoulder pain

These symptoms usually result from blocked breathing passages or the cancer spreading within the lungs, to nearby areas, or to other parts of the body.

Stage I Lung Cancer Symptoms

Stage I lung cancer rarely causes symptoms and is often detected during screenings. When symptoms are present, they may include:

• Persistent or new cough, sometimes bringing up blood or mucus
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Frequent infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia

Stage IV Lung Cancer Symptoms

At this stage, cancer has spread to more parts of the lungs, the fluid around the lungs, or other body parts. Symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Headaches, numbness, or seizures if it has spread to the brain

Less Common Lung Cancer Symptoms

Some symptoms affect other body parts, not directly related to the lungs:

• Finger changes, known as “clubbing,” where nails curve more and skin and nails look shiny
• High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia), causing stomach upset, thirst, frequent urination, and confusion
• Horner syndrome, causing a drooping eyelid, decreased pupil size, and reduced sweating on one side of the face
• Puffy face, neck, or arms due to a tumor restricting blood flow

Types of Lung Cancer Symptoms

There are two main types of lung cancer: small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Symptoms

NSCLC is more common, making up about 85% of cases, and includes:

• Adenocarcinoma: Often in the outer lung layers; more common in women, including non-smokers.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Usually in the lung center, near an air tube (bronchus).
• Large Cell Carcinoma: Can form anywhere and usually grows faster.

NSCLC can cause Horner syndrome, affecting the pupil, eyelid, and sweating on one side of the face.

Small-Cell Lung Cancer Symptoms

SCLC grows and spreads quickly, often producing symptoms like:

• Bone pain
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Paralysis SCLC is more likely than NSCLC to cause hypercalcemia and affect the adrenal glands.

When to Call Your Doctor

If you have ongoing symptoms of lung disease, especially persistent cough, blood-streaked mucus, wheezing, hoarseness, or recurrent lung infections, see your doctor. Immediate emergency care is needed for:

• Coughing up a large amount of blood
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Sudden weakness
• Sudden vision problems
• Persistent chest pain

Takeaways

In its early stages, lung cancer often has no symptoms. Signs like coughing up mucus (especially if blood-streaked), wheezing, hoarseness, chest pain, or frequent bronchitis or pneumonia can indicate lung cancer. Many symptoms of SCLC and NSCLC overlap and can also indicate other illnesses. Consult your doctor if you have concerns.

Lung Cancer FAQs

How long can you have lung cancer without knowing? Lung cancer can grow for years before noticeable symptoms appear.

Is cancer in the lungs curable? While the term “cured” is rarely used, long-term remission or “no evidence of disease” (NED) can be achieved. Early detection and treatment improve outcomes. Screening is recommended for:

• Individuals aged 50-80
• Current or recent smokers (within the last 15 years)
• Those with a 20 pack-year smoking history

How long can you live with lung cancer? Survival depends on the cancer type, spread, response to treatment, and overall health. Survival rates are improving with new treatments.