Lung cancer in its early stage and sometimes even later may not cause any signs and symptoms. In its advanced stage, the cancer cells interfere with normal lung function. The symptoms associated with lung cancer can result from the original tumor or from tumors that have spread to other organs. The cancers are usually identified incidentally when a chest x-ray is performed for another reason.
Common signs and symptoms of lung cancer are :
- A cough that does not go away and gets worse over time.
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) or bloody mucus.
- Chest, shoulder, or back pain that doesn’t go away and often is made worse by deep.
- Hoarseness.
- Weight loss and loss of appetite.
- Increase in volume of sputum.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Repeated respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- New onset of wheezing.
- Swelling of the neck and face.
- Clubbing of the fingers and toes. The nails appear to bulge out more than normal.
- Some patients may have paraneoplastic syndromes which are caused by biologically active substances that are secreted by the tumor.
Symptoms related to metastasis
Lung cancer that has spread to the bones may produce excruciating pain at the sites of bone involvement. Cancer that has spread to the brain may cause a number of neurologic symptoms that may include blurred vision, headaches, seizures, or symptoms of stroke such as weakness or loss of sensation in parts of the body.
Paraneoplastic symptoms
Lung cancers frequently are accompanied by symptoms that result from production of hormone-like substances by the tumor cells. These hormone related symptoms vary from person to person but may include:
- Pins and needles or numbness in fingers or toes.
- Muscle weakness.
- Drowsiness, weakness, dizziness or confusion.
- Breast swelling in men.
- Blood clots (thrombosis).
These symptoms are uncommon with lung cancer but they can happen.
Symptoms of pancoast tumours
Lung cancer growing right at the top of the lung is called a ‘pancoast tumour’. The symptoms include :
- Drooping or weakness of one eyelid.
- Small pupil in that eye.
- Loss of sweating on that same side of the face.
If any symptoms is found, it is better to consult a doctor because only doctor can make a diagnosis.