What are some lung cancer symptoms?

Lung cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs. According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, killing more than one million people each year. Keep reading to learn about lung cancer symptoms, as well as a few common causes.


Lung cancer symptoms can take a long time to develop, allowing the disease to spread throughout the body, unnoticed for years. Nonetheless, there are a number of detectable lung cancer symptoms -- both in the lungs and elsewhere in the body -- which should be examined by a doctor, especially if you are a smoker or are genetically predisposed to the disease.

Lung Cancer Symptoms in the Lungs

Lung cancer symptoms in the lungs include:
Persistent and intense coughing
Chest, shoulder and back pain
Abnormally colored and voluminous mucus
Wheezing, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing and general shortness of breath
Recurring lung problems like bronchitis or pneumonia
Coughing up blood or blood-tinged mucus

Lung Cancer Symptoms in the Body

In the rest of the body, lung cancer symptoms can include:
Loss of appetite and abnormal weight loss
General fatigue
Pain in the bones, joints and head
Fractures unrelated to injury
Impaired balance and memory
Swelling of the neck and face
General bleeding and blood clots
Development of finger clubbing, in which the end of the finger thickens

These symptoms can also result from other diseases or lung problems. If you exhibit any of the above lung cancer symptoms, you may have pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease or even a simple cold or cough. For this reason, it is important to see a doctor about any symptoms you may have. By far the biggest risk factor for lung cancer is smoking cigarettes. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, between 80 and 90 percent of lung cancer patients are either past or current smokers, and the lifetime risk of developing lung cancer of someone who has ever smoked is approximately 10 percent.

Lung Cancer Risk Factors

Environmental factors also play a large role in determining lung cancer risks. According to a 2006 report by the Surgeon General, ongoing exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of developing lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent. Besides cigarette smoke, other harmful substances include asbestos, radon, radiation, air pollution and other industrial substances. All these, along with other factors -- such as scarring of the lungs from tuberculosis -- make developing lung cancer more likely.