Lung cancer symptoms may not appear until the disease is advanced, but some people with early lung cancer do have symptoms. The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:

• A cough that does not go away or gets worse
• Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm)
• Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling tired or weak
• Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that don’t go away or keep coming back
• New onset of wheezing

If lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it may cause additional symptoms such as bone pain, nervous system changes, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and swelling of lymph nodes. Some lung cancers can cause syndromes, which are groups of specific symptoms. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it is important to see a doctor if you experience any of them.