Persistent cough: A chronic cough that doesn't go away or worsens over time is a common symptom of lung cancer. It may produce sputum or blood.
Shortness of breath: Lung cancer can cause difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, even with minimal physical exertion. This symptom may arise due to a tumor obstructing the airways or spreading to the lungs' surrounding tissues.
Chest pain: Lung cancer can cause localized chest pain that may worsen with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing. The pain can be dull, sharp, or aching in nature.
Hoarseness: If lung cancer affects the nerves or structures around the lungs, it can lead to hoarseness or voice changes. This occurs when the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the vocal cords, is affected.
Coughing up blood: Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, can be a symptom of lung cancer. It may appear as streaks of blood in the sputum or as significant amounts of blood.
Fatigue: Unexplained fatigue and weakness can be early signs of lung cancer. Cancer cells can alter the body's metabolism, leading to feelings of extreme tiredness.
Unintentional weight loss: Significant and unexplained weight loss can occur in individuals with lung cancer. Loss of appetite, metabolic changes, and the body's response to the cancer can contribute to weight loss.
Recurrent respiratory infections: Frequent respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, can be a sign of lung cancer. Tumors may obstruct the airways, making individuals more prone to respiratory infections.