This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by
Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science
This page was updated on September 12, 2022.
Early symptoms of lung cancer may include a worsening cough or shortness of breath, depending on which part of the lung is affected and which type of lung cancer the patient has. As the cancer develops, these symptoms may become more severe or intense.
Like many other types of cancer, lung cancer may also cause systemic symptoms, which are more general in nature. These may include loss of appetite or general fatigue.
To help answer common questions on lung cancer signs and symptoms to look for, this guide will cover:
If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of lung cancer and want to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing, or if you’re interested in a second opinion for lung cancer at City of Hope, call us or chat online with a member of our team.
Lung cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages. There are, however, some signs to look for, including those listed below.
Less common lung cancer symptoms
Although most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than lung cancer, it's important that they be checked by a doctor. Discovering lung cancer early may mean more treatment options are available.
Learn about lung cancer symptoms in women and men.Advanced stages of lung cancer are often characterized by the spread of the cancer to distant sites in the body. This may affect the bones, liver or brain. As other parts of the body are affected, new lung cancer symptoms may develop, including:
Lung cancer may feel like many other conditions affecting the chest and bronchial area, or may not be noticeable at all. Some patients say they feel congestion that won’t go away, while others may have a chronic cough. Still others say they feel completely healthy, underscoring the importance of lung cancer screenings for eligible patients.
Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) may grow slowly over a period of time before symptoms develop. Common non-small cell lung cancer symptoms include:
Other areas of the body may be affected by either the spread or development of NSCLC tumors.
Neurological changes: Lung cancer may spread (metastasize) to the brain. This may cause headaches or even seizures. Numbness or weakness in the arms and legs may occur if a large tumor begins to press against a nerve.
Lumps: In advanced stages, the cancer may spread throughout the lymph nodes. Sometimes, tumors near the skin surface may appear as lumps.
Horner syndrome: Tumors may possibly cause nerve damage. Horner syndrome is a particular set of symptoms associated with nerve damage. The symptoms often affect one side of the face, causing a droopy eyelid and a reduction in the size of the pupil (the dark center of the eye).
Paraneoplastic syndromes: Cancer cells may make chemicals that trigger other reactions, which are collectively referred to as paraneoplastic syndromes. Symptoms may include high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia), excess bone growth or blood clots.
Most of the signs associated with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are not present until the cancer has progressed. Typically, small cell lung cancer symptoms continue to evolve and worsen as the disease spreads to distant organs.
Early symptoms of small cell lung cancer:
Symptoms of advanced-stage SCLC:
Sometimes, SCLC can cause paraneoplastic syndromes. While it's not always the case, these syndromes are often early signs of SCLC.
SCLC may cause one of these three paraneoplastic syndromes: Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone (SIADH), Cushing syndrome or Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Symptoms of paraneoplastic syndromes include muscle cramps, muscle weakness, elevation of calcium in the blood and clubbing, a change in the shape of the fingertips.
Metastatic lung cancer symptoms depend on the part of the body to which the cancer has spread, as well as the size and location. Sometimes, metastatic disease may not cause any symptoms, though about 30 percent to 40 percent of people with lung cancer will have symptoms of metastasis.
Because lung cancer is often diagnosed after it’s progressed to an advanced stage, it’s important to turn to a clinical team with expertise to tailor a treatment plan specific to the patient's tumor type, stage, genomic markers and other needs. Having a team of lung cancer experts collaborating daily, all under one roof, allows City of Hope to assemble a detailed treatment plan more quickly and more efficiently.
At the Lung Cancer Centers at each of our hospitals, our cancer experts are devoted to a single mission—treating lung cancer patients with compassion and precision. This singular focus enables our oncologists to stay up to date on new and emerging treatments and technologies, allowing us to help patients make informed decisions about the options available to treat not just the disease but the side effects that may result. Clinical trials in immunotherapy, cryotherapy and other areas of innovation may be among the options available.
Each patient’s care team is led by a medical oncologist and coordinated by a nurse, who helps keep track of the various appointments, follows up on tests and answers questions that come up along the way. The care team also may include a surgeon, radiation oncologist, radiologist, pathologist and interventional pulmonologist with specialized training in non-invasive procedures to help preserve lung function and reduce side effects.
As part of our patient-centered care model, which is designed to help patients keep strong during treatment, the multidisciplinary care team may recommend various evidence-informed supportive therapies. These may include naturopathic support, psychosocial support, nutritional support, physical and rehabilitation therapy and pain management. The entire team works together with a whole-person focus, which is at the heart of the centers’ dedication to personalized, comprehensive care.
If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of lung cancer and want to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing, or if you’re interested in a second opinion for lung cancer at City of Hope, call us or chat online with a member of our team.
Screening and imaging tests are important for early detection of lung cancer.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?Smoking tobacco is the number one cause of lung cancer. Learn about this and other risk factors.
What causes lung cancer and increases risk?Lung cancer treatment options will vary by the type of cancer.
What are the lung cancer treatment options?