Lung Cancer - Symptoms

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

You may not have any symptoms of lung cancer, or you may have symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath that you might think are related to a respiratory illness.

Symptoms of lung cancer may include:

  • A new cough or a cough that does not go away. Smokers who have a chronic cough from smoking may have a change in how severe their cough is or how much they cough.
  • Chest, shoulder, or back pain that does not go away and often gets worse with deep breathing.
  • New wheezing.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Hoarseness.
  • Coughing up blood or bloody mucus.
  • Swelling in the neck and face.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Weight loss and loss of appetite.
  • Increasing fatigue and weakness.
  • Recurring respiratory infections, such as pneumonia.
  • Clubbing of the fingers and toes. The nails appear to bulge out more than normal.

Lung cancer may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. The most common sites are the bones, the brain, the liver, the other lung, the lining of the heart (pericardium), and the adrenal glands. When lung cancer spreads, other symptoms may also occur.

Symptoms of cancer that has spread to the spine or bones may include:

  • Bone pain.
  • Weakness or numbness of the arms or legs.
  • Back pain.

Symptoms of cancer that has spread to the brain may include:

  • Seizures.
  • Headaches.
  • Change in alertness.
  • Vision changes, such as double vision or new blind spots.
  • Nausea or vomiting.

Symptoms of cancer that has spread to the liver or lymph nodes may include:

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
  • Lumps or bumps under the skin or enlarged lymph nodes.
  • Decreased appetite.
  • Weight loss.
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: August 26, 2010
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Michael Seth Rabin, MD - Medical Oncology

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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