Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer may not cause any symptoms, especially in the early stages of disease.

When there are symptoms, early signs may include:

• A cough that does not go away

• Coughing up blood or rust-colored spit

• Frequent lung infections, like bronchitis or pneumonia

• Chest pain that gets worse with deep breathing, coughing, laughing

• Changes in your voice/hoarse voice

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing

Late signs may include:

• Shoulder pain

• Arm pain

• Unexplained weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Feeling unusually weak or tired

• Change in the look of fingertips and nailbeds

• Neck or face swelling

If lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body — called advanced or late stage disease — symptoms may include: 

• Bone pain

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) 

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Seizures

• Weakness or numbness in limbs

• Trouble walking or balancing

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or above the collarbone

These symptoms may be caused by many other conditions as well. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.

This educational resource was created with support from Merck.