Lung cancer often doesn’t cause any symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
- A Cough That Doesn’t Go Away
- Any Abnormal Symptoms or a General Decline in Health
- Pain or Aching in Your Shoulder, Back, Chest, or Arm
- Repeated Infections Such as Bronchitis and Pneumonia
- Shortness of Breath With Activity
A Cough That Doesn’t Go Away
Many people dismiss or adapt to a chronic cough, attributing it to something else. Perhaps it is allergies, a “leftover” cough following a cold, or dry air during the winter months. But a cough that lasts more than a few weeks can be a sign of something else. A chronic cough as an early symptom of lung cancer is even easier to miss if you have a condition that predisposes you to coughing, such as asthma, COPD, allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux. Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) is a common symptom of lung cancer, but can be fairly subtle and you may notice only a small amount of blood tinged phlegm when you cough. If you experience a persistent cough, check with your doctor, and ask for a second opinion if you don’t get a clear answer.
Any Abnormal Symptoms or a General Decline in Health
If you note any symptoms which are unusual for you, it is important to check with you doctor, especially if you have a history of smoking. Seemingly unrelated symptoms, such as knee pain, may be an early symptom of lung cancer. General symptoms, such as fatigue, decreased appetite, or even depression should prompt you to seek a physicians guidance, too.
Pain or Aching in Your Shoulder, Back, Chest, or Arm
Lung cancers may press on nerves, resulting in pain in your shoulder, chest, back, or an arm -- even before they cause a cough or difficulty breathing. If you notice pain in one of these areas of the body that doesn’t seem to be related to an injury (or even if it is but persists), consult your physician. Up to 50% of people with lung cancer have some chest or shoulder pain at the time of diagnosis, especially pain that increases with coughing and breathing.
Repeated Infections Such as Bronchitis and Pneumonia
It’s not uncommon for someone to discover that they have lung cancer after being treated for repeated episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia. If a tumor is located near an airway, it can cause an obstruction that predisposes you to these infections. If you have had a few episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia, talk to your doctor. Repeated infections could be due to persistent smoking or a condition such as COPD, but they could also be an early symptom of lung cancer.
Shortness of Breath With Activity
Another common early symptom of lung cancer is shortness of breath that you only notice with activity. This can be overlooked and blamed on getting older, being out-of-shape, or perhaps due to those few extra pounds you've gained. If you notice that you are hesitant to take that hike, become winded with sexual activity, or blame the humidity for making it more difficult to breathe, make an appointment to talk to your doctor.