Lung cancer typically doesnt cause signs and symptoms in its earliest stages. Symptoms usually develop as the disease progresses. However, some people with early lung cancer do have symptoms, and if you go to your doctor when you first notice symptoms, your cancer might be diagnosed at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be effective. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of lung cancer:

• A cough that doesnt 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 dont go away or keep coming back
• New onset of wheezing

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)
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
• Swelling of your face or neck
• Persistent chest or shoulder pain

Its important to note that most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than lung cancer. However, if you have any of these problems, its important to see your doctor right away so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.