Cancer Lung Cancer Symptoms Lung Cancer Guide Lung Cancer Guide Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Coping Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer By Lynne Eldridge, MD Lynne Eldridge, MD Facebook Lynne Eldrige, MD, is a lung cancer physician, patient advocate, and award-winning author of "Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time." Learn about our editorial process Updated on July 21, 2021 Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is triple board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and attending physician in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Frequent Symptoms Less Common Symptoms Complication-Related Sub-Groups When to Seek Medical Care Next in Lung Cancer Guide Causes and Risk Factors of Lung Cancer The signs and symptoms of lung cancer include a cough that won't go away, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood. Lung cancer can also cause a hoarse voice, back pain, and other less common symptoms. Each patient with lung cancer is different. The symptoms that a person has can vary depending on a person's sex, age, and smoking status. Anyone can get lung cancer, but not everyone gets checked for it. Knowing the signs of the disease can help you get diagnosed and start treatment sooner. This article will cover the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. You will also about complications of lung cancer that can cause symptoms. Verywell / Julie Bang Get the Facts About Lung Cancer Frequent Symptoms Some of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer are not obvious at first. You might think that they are being caused by a more common condition. However, if you have these symptoms you should not ignore them: A cough that does not go away Shortness of breath with activity Repeated respiratory infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia) Coughing up blood Shoulder, arm, chest, or back pain Unexplained weight loss Persistent Cough A cough that does not go away (persistent cough) is the most common symptom of lung cancer. It usually lasts longer than a few weeks. Around 50% of people have a persistent cough when they are diagnosed with lung cancer. The cough can be: Dry or wet (makes mucus) Happen a lot or only sometimes Happen at any time of day Many people assume the nagging cough is being caused by something like allergies or dry air during the winter months. People who use tobacco might just think it's "smoker's cough." How Lung Cancer Happens Shortness of Breath With Activity Another common early symptom of lung cancer is shortness of breath that only happens during activity. This symptom is especially common in people who have never smoked. Feeling short of breathing during activity can easily be chalked up to getting older, being out of shape, or being overweight. You might not recognize that you're short of breath at first. You might just notice that doing things like hiking or having sex leave you winded. You might also find yourself blaming the humidity or other factors for your shortness of breath. Lung Cancer in People Who Never Smoked Repeated Infections It’s common for someone to discover that they have lung cancer after being treated for repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia. If a tumor is located near an airway, it blocks it and makes these infections more likely. If you have recurrent chest infections, your provider can run some tests. One test, called chest computed tomography (chest CT scan) can help spot lung cancer. It's better than a chest X-ray, which can miss lung cancer up to 25% of the time. What Does It Mean to Have a Shadow on the Lung? Coughing Up Blood Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) is a common symptom of lung cancer. It occurs in about a fifth of lung cancer patients. In some cases, it's the first symptom a person has. Coughing up blood might sound like something that would be hard to miss, but it isn't always extreme. A person could easily miss or ignore a small spot of blood on a tissue. Even if it starts out mild, coughing up blood can quickly get serious. If you've coughed up even 2 teaspoons of blood, you need medical care right away. Shoulder and Arm Pain Shoulder pain can be a symptom of lung cancer. Sometimes, it's the first sign of cancer. Tumors in the upper parts of the lungs are called Pancoast tumors. They can cause pain in the shoulder that spreads down the arm toward the pinky finger. The pain can be very bad. Pancoast tumors often don't come with typical lung cancer symptoms. They're also hard to see on imaging tests, which means the diagnosis usually takes a long time. How Long Does Lung Cancer Take to Develop? Chest Pain Chest pain can feel different to different people. Some people say it feels more like lung pain, while others say they have pain when taking a deep breath. This symptom is common even in the early stage of lung cancer. The lungs do not have pain fibers, but the lung lining (pleura) and structures around the lungs do have nerve endings. That's why the pain feels like it's coming from the lungs even though it's not. Referred pain is the term used to describe pain that starts in one part of the body but is felt somewhere else. You may have referred pain in your lungs from another organ. Back Pain Back pain is often one of the first signs of lung cancer. That said, it's easy to miss because there are much more common reasons for back pain. In someone with lung cancer, back pain can be caused by pressure from a tumor, irritation of nerve roots, cancer that's spread to bones in the spine, or cancer that's spread to the small organs that sit on top of the kidneys (adrenal metastases). Back pain from lung cancer is usually: Felt in the mid-to-upper-backPresent at rest and with activityWorse at night and when taking a deep breath Primary vs. Secondary Lung Cancer: What's the Difference? Unexplained Weight Loss Losing weight without trying and without a clear reason is defined as losing 5% of your body weight or more than 10 pounds in 6-12 months. Unintentional weight loss happens to 35% to 75% of people with lung cancer before they get diagnosed. Cancer causes weight loss in a few ways, such as causing loss of appetite and changing the body's metabolism. Recap The signs and symptoms of lung cancer include a cough that won't go away, coughing up blood, back pain, chest pain, arm pain, shoulder pain, and losing weight without trying. Less Common Symptoms There are also some symptoms of lung cancer that are not very common, such as: HoarsenessFatigueWheezingParaneoplastic syndromesA feeling that "something is wrong" Hoarseness Lung cancer can cause you to have a hoarse-sounding voice. There are a couple of reasons why this can happen. One reason is that tumors in the chest can put pressure on the vocal cords (larynx). Hoarseness in people with lung cancer can also be caused by pressure on the recurrent laryngeal nerve that leads to the voice box. Possible Causes of a Hoarse Voice Fatigue The so-called "cancer fatigue" that can be lung cancer is different from feeling tired. Some people describe it as whole-body fatigue or even exhaustion. This kind of tiredness doesn't get better after a good night's sleep or a cup of coffee. Wheezing There is a saying that "all that wheezes is not asthma." It's good to keep that in mind, as lung cancer can also cause wheezing. Wheezing related to lung cancer tends not to be generalized like it is with asthma. In fact, people are often able to describe where the wheezing starts in their lungs (localized wheezing). Causes of Wheezing Paraneoplastic Syndromes Some lung cancers release hormone-like substances that can cause certain symptoms. When this group of symptoms happens, it's called paraneoplastic syndrome. Paraneoplastic syndromes occur in around 10% to 20% of people with lung cancer. It's most common in people with small cell lung cancer. The syndrome can start before the symptoms of the disease do. There are many paraneoplastic syndromes and each can cause a variety of symptoms. Two common paraneoplastic syndromes are: Hypercalcemia, in which the tumors (most commonly squamous cell carcinoma) put out a substance that raises blood calcium levels. A person may feel thirsty, have muscle weakness, and become confused. Inappropriate ADH (SIADH), in which the tumors put out a substance that lowers the level of salt (sodium) in the blood. A person may have headaches, weakness, and memory loss. All About Paraneoplastic Syndromes A "Gut Feeling" From knee pain to fatigue, the list of potential signs of lung cancer is long. However, an important one that doesn't have a medical name is your own intuition. Many people recall that before their diagnosis they had a "gut feeling" that something was wrong. If you feel "off" or "wrong" about your health and wellbeing, don't ignore it. Talk to your healthcare provider—even if it's just for reassurance and peace of mind. Recap Less common signs and symptoms of lung cancer include a hoarse voice, being extremely tired (fatigue), and wheezing. Some people with lung cancer have high levels of calcium or salt in their blood. A person with cancer sometimes just feels like something is "wrong" and can't explain why. Early Lung Cancer Signs You Should Never Ignore Complication-Related Symptoms Complications of lung cancer usually happen after a person is diagnosed. However, they can also pop up before a diagnosis is made and might even be the first clue that cancer is present. Face and Neck Swelling Lung cancer tumors can press on the large blood vessel that returns blood to the heart from the upper part of the body (superior vena cava). When this happens, it causes the blood flow to that vein to become fully or partially blocked. This is called superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. If the blood flow is blocked, pressure builds up in the areas the vein is supposed to drain blood away from. This can cause swelling of the face, neck, and arms. A person may also have veins in the neck and chest that look bigger than normal (dilated). Symptoms Related to Cancer Spread Lung cancer is often diagnosed after it has already spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. The most common places where lung cancer spreads are the brain, the bones, the liver, and the adrenal glands. When cancer has spread, a person might have symptoms such as: Headaches, weakness, or seizures (with brain metastases) Back pain, weakness, or changes in urinary and bowel control (with bone metastases) Upper abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice, and itching (with liver metastases) Where Lung Cancer Is Most Likely to Spread Blood Clots Blood clots are common in people with lung cancer. Though cancer treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy are known to increase this risk, these clots can happen before lung cancer is diagnosed. Possible signs of a blood clot include: Leg/calf pain and swelling (with deep vein thrombosis [DVT]) Sharp, sudden chest pain and shortness of breath when a clot breaks free and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) Recap The symptoms of lung cancer complications usually happen after diagnosis but sometimes they happen before. If the cancer spreads to another part of the body, the symptoms can come from different organs. For example, if lung cancer spreads to the brain a person may feel confused or have headaches. Lung cancer complications can also cause face and neck swelling and blood clots. Blood Clots and Cancer Sub-Groups Just as the symptoms of heart disease in women differ from those in men, the symptoms of lung cancer can also differ. Similarly, the symptoms of lung cancer in never-smokers and young adults can be different. The most common type of lung cancer in these groups is the main reason that they have different symptoms. Squamous Cell Carcinoma One example is squamous cell carcinoma. This type of lung cancer grows in the large airways instead of at the outer edges of the lungs. People with cancer in this spot often have early symptoms like coughing, coughing up blood, or recurrent lung infections caused by a blocked airway. Men are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma than women. They may experience more obvious prominent symptoms early on in the disease. Lung Cancer In Young People: How It's Different Lung Adenocarcinoma Another example is lung adenocarcinoma. It is the most common type of lung cancer overall. It's also most common in women, young adults, and people who do not smoke. These cancers usually happen in the outer regions of the lungs. They can grow very big before causing symptoms. The first symptom of adenocarcinoma is often a sense of shortness of breath because the tumor takes over lung tissue. People may also have symptoms like fatigue or loss of appetite that don't seem to have a clear cause. Lung cancers in these groups are diagnosed at later stages for a couple of reasons: They don't always come with "typical" lung cancer symptoms,Healthcare providers might not consider a lung cancer diagnosis in these groups at first Recap Women, young people, and people who have never smoked might have different symptoms of lung cancer. They are less likely to get an early diagnosis because their symptoms are not typical and providers may not consider lung cancer as a cause. Lung Cancer in Women When to Get Medical Care There is often a big delay between when a person starts having symptoms and when they get diagnosed with lung cancer. If you have risk factors for lung cancer, knowing the signs and symptoms is important. Tell your healthcare provider about them right away if they pop up. If you have symptoms but have never smoked before, you might not think you're at risk for lung cancer. However, lung cancer in never-smokers is the 7th-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Which Countries Have the Highest Rate of Lung Cancer? Candidates for Lung Cancer Screening If you have lung cancer symptoms, your provider will want to check to see if you have it. That said, you might be able to have a lung cancer screening even if you don't have any symptoms. Screening for lung cancer with a chest CT is recommended for people who: Are 50 to 80 years oldHave a 20 pack-year history of smokingCurrently smoke or have quit within the past 15 yearsAre healthy enough to get through and benefit from treatment if lung cancer is diagnosed Screening is also beneficial for people with risk factors for lung cancer, such as radon exposure, occupational exposures, and a family history of the disease. Should You Get Screened for Lung Cancer? Summary The signs and symptoms of lung cancer can be related to the lungs or other organs. Some of the early symptoms are common and can have other causes that are not cancer. People may not realize that something is wrong because they assuming that a cough that won't go away or back pain is from allergies or a pulled muscle. If the cancer has spread, symptoms that come from different body symptoms can show up. For example, a person with lung cancer that's spread to the brain might have headaches. Complications of lung cancer usually happen after a person finds out they have cancer. Sometimes, complications happen sooner and might be what leads to a diagnosis of lung cancer. A Word From Verywell There is a range of signs and symptoms that could be a warning that you have lung cancer. While it's easy to chalk a lot of them up to other more common causes, if you have a symptom that doesn't go away, talk to your healthcare provider. Frequently Asked Questions Where would I feel back pain with lung cancer? Back pain related to lung cancer is usually felt in the middle to upper back. Tumors can spread to the thoracic spine or other bones and cause pain. They can also irritate nerves in the back. It's also possible to have pain in the lower (lumbar) region of the back, depending on how the tumors press on the spine. What are early symptoms of lung cancer in women? Women are more likely to have lung adenocarcinoma. The symptoms of this type of lung cancer include:FatigueBack or shoulder painShortness of breath Does early-stage lung cancer cause a lot of pain? No. As lung cancer tumors grow, they can put pressure on the spine and chest. At first, there is little pain because there are very few nerve endings in the lungs. If lung cancer spreads to the bones, it can cause more pain. 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Additional Reading Friedemann Smith C, Whitaker KL, Winstanley K, Wardle J. Smokers are less likely than non-smokers to seek help for a lung cancer ‘alarm’ symptom. Thorax. 2016;71(7):659-661. doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-208063 Siegel RL, Miller KD, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2019. CA A Cancer J Clin. 2019;69(1):7-34. doi:10.3322/caac.21551 By Lynne Eldridge, MD Lynne Eldrige, MD, is a lung cancer physician, patient advocate, and award-winning author of "Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time." See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit