Recognizing Lung Cancer Symptoms

• Some symptoms may surprise you

  Catching cancer early can mean more treatment options and better outcomes. But when it comes to lung cancer, early detection can be a challenge. Symptoms often don’t start until the cancer has already begun to spread. And when they do occur, it’s easy to mistake them for signs of another condition. That’s why it’s so important to know the common symptoms—and when to see a doctor.  

  Possible warning signs and symptoms  

  Lung cancer symptoms often resemble those of other conditions. Some people have only general symptoms, such as feeling very tired. That’s why it’s crucial to see a doctor if you have even one of the common symptoms, such as:  

  • A chronic or worsening cough.  
  • Coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm.  
  • Chest pain.
  • A hoarse voice.
  • Long-lasting or frequent lung infections.  
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe in).
  • Unintentional weight loss.  

  Lung cancer also sometimes triggers signs and symptoms that seem entirely unrelated to the lungs. For example:  

  • Headaches, dizziness, and back pain. Symptoms like these happen when lung cancer spreads far beyond the lungs, such as to the bones or the brain, and presses on nerves or other structures.  
  • Horner syndrome, a rare condition characterized by a droopy eyelid, smaller pupil, and hardly any sweating on one side of the face. These symptoms are associated with tumors of the upper part of the lungs, called Pancoast tumors.
  • Clubbing, which is when the fingertips become wide and rounded and the nails curve downward, like an upside-down spoon.  

  Having one or more lung cancer symptoms doesn’t mean you have lung cancer. Your doctor can help find the cause of your symptoms—and, often, offer peace of mind. Knowing the cause of your symptoms can also lead to effective treatment options.

  If your symptoms are caused by lung cancer, getting the right diagnosis—and starting treatment—can make a big difference. At Fox Chase Cancer Center, you'll receive tailored lung cancer treatments from nationally recognized lung cancer experts. Our patients have access to minimally invasive procedures, like robotic lung cancer surgery, and lung cancer clinical trials of new therapies that aren't widely available.  

  To make an appointment with a lung cancer expert at Fox Chase, call 888-369-2427 or request an appointment online.

  The best chance for early detection

  Lung cancer doesn’t often cause symptoms at all in its earliest stages. If you are at high risk for the disease, getting an annual lung cancer screening could help spot signs of cancer sooner—and lead to better outcomes.  

  Lung cancer screening is quick and painless. It uses low-dose CT scans to detect abnormal areas within the lungs in people who don’t have lung cancer symptoms. Some of these areas may be small lung cancers. Lung cancers that are diagnosed when they are still small and have not spread have a better chance of being treated successfully.  

  If you smoke (or used to smoke) and are between the ages of 50 and 80, ask your doctor if lung cancer screening is right for you.

  To schedule your lung cancer screening at Fox Chase, call 888-369-2427 or request a screening online.