Lung Cancer

Symptoms

By the time most people with lung cancer see a doctor, the condition has reached an advanced stage. The most common symptom is a cough, which occurs when a tumor irritates the lining of the airways or blocks the passage of air. Other symptoms include:

• "Smoker's cough" that worsens
• Coughing up blood, even a small amount
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• New onset of wheezing
• Repeated bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis
• Hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks

Lung cancer also causes fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. If it has spread to other parts of the body, there may be headaches or bone pain.