Lung cancer signs and symptoms
Most lung cancers do not cause any symptoms until they have spread, but some people with early lung cancer do have symptoms. If you see the first symptoms, go to the doctor, your cancer may be diagnosed in the early stages, when the treatment is more likely to be done.

Most of these symptoms are most likely caused by something other than lung cancer. However, if you have any of these problems, it's important to see your doctor right away to find out why and get treatment if needed.

People with lung cancer may have no symptoms in the early stages. The occurrence of lung cancer symptoms is different depending on which part of the lung it starts to spread and is somewhat similar to the diagnostic symptoms.
The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:
• Cough or bloody sputum that does not go away or gets worse.
• Chest pain that gets worse with thinking, coughing, or laughing
• Voice change and hoarseness
Insidious lung infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
• Swollen area of chest lymph nodes
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Excessive receipt
• Difficulty swallowing food
• Shortness of breath and wheezing
If the person is not treated, more severe symptoms occur, such as:
• Bone pain
• Changes in the nervous system (such as headache, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, dizziness, problems or seizures) due to cancer spreading to the brain.
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) due to the spread of cancer to fish.
• Swelling of lymph nodes (groups of cells of the immune system), such as the lymph nodes in the neck or above the collarbone.


What happens if you receive a diagnosis of lung cancer?

If the symptoms you notice and report to your doctor are from lung cancer, he or she has probably met with an oncologist who specializes in lung cancer treatment. They determine the type of lung cancer, stage and other factors that can create a personalized treatment plan. If you are within the Colorado area, the team at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers is here to guide you through every step of the process.