Lung Cancer Symptoms and Signs

Learn about the warning signs of lung cancer

A serious mature man represents the power and value of knowing lung cancer symptoms.

Learn about the warning signs of lung cancer

Many people who have lung cancer may not notice any symptoms until the disease has begun to spread. That’s why it’s important to learn about lung cancer symptoms, and be aware of unusual changes in your body.


Scripps Cancer Center is committed to educating you about the symptoms of lung cancer and what to do if you have any of them.

Lung cancer signs and symptoms

In most cases, lung cancer doesn’t cause symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage, sometimes when cancer has spread to other parts of the body. But some people do experience early warning signs of lung cancer. These may include:


  • A constant feeling of pain in the chest that may worsen with deep breathing, coughing or laughing
  • A cough that does not go away and gets worse over time
  • Pain in the arm or shoulder
  • Coughing up blood or rust-colored spit
  • Shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness
  • Repeatedly being sick with pneumonia or bronchitis
  • Swelling of the neck and face
  • Loss of appetite and/or weight loss
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Clubbing of fingers, a condition in which the fingertips become wider and rounder


If lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it may cause additional cancer symptoms that depend on where the cancer cells have traveled. This is referred to as lung cancer metastasis and may include the following symptoms:


  • Persistent pain in the back, hips, ribs or other bones that may worsen at night or with movement
  • Severe headaches, weakness or numbness in arms or legs, dizziness, balance problems or seizures when cancer has spread to the brain
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) that can indicate cancer has spread to the liver, which is part of the body's filtration system
  • Swollen lymph nodes particularly in the neck or above the collarbone
  • Abdominal pain and swelling that may indicate the cancer affects organs in the abdomen
  • Difficulty swallowing if cancer has spread to nearby structures in the chest

Syndromes caused by lung cancer

Syndromes caused by lung cancer

Lung cancer can cause specific medical syndromes, particularly in cases involving small cell lung cancer and certain types of lung cancer. These paraneoplastic syndromes occur when cancer cells produce substances that affect other parts of the body

Horner syndrome 

Occurs when lung tumors press on nerves near the top part of the lungs, causing drooping of the eyelid, a smaller pupil and reduced sweating on one side of the face.

Superior vena cava syndrome 

Develops when tumors block the large vein that carries blood from the head and arms back to the heart, leading to swelling of the face, neck, arms and upper chest, along with difficulty breathing.

Paraneoplastic syndromes 

Often associated with small cell lung cancer (SCLS), they represent a group of symptoms caused by substances produced by cancer cells. These may include abnormal hormone levels, blood chemistry changes or neurological symptoms that occur even when the cancer hasn't directly spread to those areas.

Understanding lung cancer risk factors

Exposure to cigarette smoke remains the leading cause of cancer in the lungs, though non-smokers can also develop this disease. According to clinical oncology research, various environmental and genetic factors also contribute to the development of lung cancer — though not all causes of lung cancer are known.

How to handle the warning signs

Experiencing any of these signs does not mean you have lung cancer. Many are common symptoms of other illnesses, such as a respiratory infection.


If your symptoms persist or become worse, or if you’re concerned that something more serious may be going on, don’t hesitate to call your physician. Whatever the cause, you should know why you’re having these symptoms. If you do have lung cancer, finding it early can increase the likelihood of successful treatment.


Learn about your risk of lung cancer, diagnosis, types of lung cancer, and the latest treatment options.