What are the early signs of lung cancer?

 Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in adults in the United States. It is also the leading cause of death from cancer.

Lung cancer treatment is much more effective when the disease is in its earlier stages. However, most people with lung cancer do not experience symptoms until the disease has spread.

Some people experience subtle symptoms of early stage lung cancer, but these symptoms more often stem from other health issues or factors such as smoking.

Below, we describe early symptoms of lung cancer, as well as risk factors and when to see a doctor.

Possible signs and symptoms of early stage lung cancer

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS)Trusted Source, most types of lung cancer do not cause symptoms until they have spread to other areas.

However, some people experience subtle symptoms during the earlier stages of the disease.

The early lung cancer symptoms that we describe below usually result from some other cause. However, people who experience these symptoms should consider visiting their doctors as a precautionary measure.

Sudden weight loss

Weight loss without a clear explanation is a common lung cancer symptom.

A 2017 study of adults with lung or gastrointestinal cancer found that 34.1% of the participants had already experienced weight loss from their cancer when they received their diagnosis. Furthermore, weight loss before cancer treatment was linked to lower survival rates.

Cancer can cause weight loss for many reasons, including:

• a loss of appetite
• changes to immune function
• changes to metabolism
• changes to hormones
• side effects from chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting
• side effects from radiation therapy, such as difficulty swallowing
• reduced ability to absorb nutrients

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath and wheezing can also be early symptoms of lung cancer.

Some people may experience a slight cough in addition to shortness of breath. Others may have difficulty catching their breath but have no cough.

Cough

A slight cough that does not go away after 2 to 3 weeks can indicate lung cancer. Some people may assume that this cough is only a result of smoking.

The level of coughing may not always be associated with cancer progression. According to a 2018 studyTrusted Source, neither smoking nor the stage of lung cancer was linked to severity of coughing in people with lung cancer.

A cough that produces blood may result from lung cancer or another issue with the lungs. Anyone who experiences this symptom should see a doctor.

General fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most commonTrusted Source symptoms of lung cancer.

Lung cancer fatigue may be caused by:

• tumor development
• anemia (a lack of red blood cells to carry oxygen)
• trouble sleeping due to the disease
• pain
• malnutrition

Severe fatigue can make it difficult to function on a day-to-day level.

Shoulder, chest, or back pain

Most people with lung cancer do not feel pain or other symptoms during the early stages. This is because there are very few nerve endings in the lungs.

However, pain can occur when lung cancer invades the chest wall, ribs, vertebrae, or certain nerves. For example, Pancoast tumors, which form at the very top of the lungs, often invade nearby tissues, causing shoulder pain.

As a tumor develops, a person may begin to feel pain in their:

• arms
• chest
• neck

Coughing or laughing may make the chest pain worse.

Source: medicalnewstoday