Lung cancer

Symptoms of lung cancer

Symptomsof lungcancer develop as the condition progresses and t here are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages.

The main symptoms of lung cancer are listed below. If you have any of these, you should see your GP:

a Cough that doesnt go away after two or three weeks
a long-standing cough thatgets worse
persistent chest infections
coughing up blood
an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
persistent breathlessness
persistent tiredness or lack of energy
loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

Less common symptoms of lung cancer include:

changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger (this is known as finger clubbing )
a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
wheezing
a hoarse voice
swelling of your face or neck
persistent chest or shoulder pain

Want to know more?

Cancer Research UK: symptoms of lung cancer
Macmillan: symptoms of lung cancer

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 30 Nov 2016

Articles for lung cancer

Introduction

Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. Around 44,500 people are diagnosed with the condition every year in the UK.

Symptoms of lung cancer

Symptoms of lung cancer develop as the condition progresses and there are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages.

Causes of lung cancer

Most cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking, although people who have never smoked can also develop the condition.

Diagnosing lung cancer

See your GP if you have symptoms of lung cancer, such as breathlessness or a persistent cough.

Treating lung cancer

People with cancer should be cared for by a multidisciplinary team (MDT), a team of specialists who work together to provide the best treatment and care.

Living with lung cancer

Lung cancer can affect your daily life in different ways, depending on what stage it's at and the treatment you're having.

Preventing lung cancer

If you smoke, the best way to prevent lung cancer and other serious conditions is to stop smoking as soon as possible.

'I didn't fit the typical profile of someone with lung cancer'

Peter Quinn was diagnosed with lung cancer after visiting his GP with pain and swelling in his knees.

'I was determined not to let the diagnosis spoil my life'

Shirley Smith went to her GP after she had coughed up a spot of blood. Within a week, she'd had a scan in hospital and been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.