Understanding lung cancer - symptoms

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

In its early stages, lung cancer does not normally have any symptoms. When symptoms start to appear, they are usually caused by blocked breathing passages or the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

Symptoms can include:

• Chronic, hacking, raspy coughing, sometimes with blood-streaked mucus
• Recurring respiratory infections, including bronchitis or pneumonia
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, persistent chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Swelling of the neck and face
• Pain and weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
• Tiredness, weakness, loss of weight and appetite, intermittent fever, severe headaches and body pain.

Seek medical advice if:

You develop any symptoms that suggest lung cancer, especially chronic cough, blood-streaked mucus, wheezing, hoarseness, or recurrent lung infection. You should have your lungs thoroughly examined and have standard X-rays of the chest performed.