Lung Cancer Symptoms

January 24, 2025

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Jyoti Malhotra, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope^® Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center; and Jae Y. Kim, M.D., associate professor, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, City of Hope Cancer Center Duarte

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States and the nation’s leading cause of cancer death, according to the American Cancer Society. However, most people do not become aware of their lung cancer until it has reached an advanced stage. This is because symptoms usually do not appear until more advanced stages of the disease or because they are mistaken for other health issues.

What Does Lung Cancer Feel Like?

Many people do not experience noticeable symptoms or feel much different in the early stages of lung cancer. They may have a bothersome cough that does not seem to go away or frequent respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. A person may feel more tired than usual and have less of an appetite. If the cancer spreads, the patient may experience symptoms where the cancer has spread (metastasized).

Bone metastasis: Pain in the bones, such as the hips or back.

Brain metastasis: Headaches, balance issues, weakness in an arm or leg, seizures.

Liver metastasis: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Lymph nodes: Swelling in the nodes, such as around the neck or under the collarbone.

Signs of Lung Cancer

Often, patients don’t experience symptoms until their lung cancer is advanced, such as in Stage 4 lung cancer. The following are common symptoms. 

Persistent cough: A cough that never seems to go away or gets worse over time, even if a person does not feel ill.

Recurring respiratory infections: Infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia that keep coming back or never seem to go away.

Wheezing or trouble breathing: New or more frequent breathing problems.

Coughing up blood: Mucus or phlegm with a bright red or rust color that comes up with a cough.

Chest pain or discomfort: Pain that worsens with laughter, deep breathing or coughing.

Loss of appetite: Decreased interest in food as cancer changes the body’s energy needs.

Unexplained weight loss: This is most common with advanced cancer. Some patients completely lose their appetite in a condition known as cachexia. The resulting lack of nutrition leads to loss of weight and muscle mass.

Hoarseness: Voice may sound strained, raspy or lower in volume. Patients with hoarseness lasting more than three weeks without any recent cold or flu should be evaluated by a doctor.

Trouble swallowing: Also known as dysphagia, trouble swallowing is an extremely rare symptom of lung cancer that has spread.

Lung Cancer and Phlegm Color

Phlegm, also known as sputum, is a thick mucus created by the lungs. Changes in phlegm may indicate changes in the lungs, such as an infection or lung cancer. With lung cancer, it may be bright red or rust-colored, or it may be streaked with blood. Coughing up blood from the lungs or respiratory tract is called hemoptysis. This blood may have a bubbly appearance because it is mixed with air and mucus.

Lung Cancer Symptoms on the Skin

In rare cases, lung cancer may spread (metastasize) to the skin. Skin metastases indicate an aggressive form of cancer, and skin changes may occur even before the lung cancer is identified.

Skin symptoms may show up in several ways. Sometimes, there may be a single lesion or spot, or there may be many lesions that resemble a rash. The skin changes may vary in color. They may or may not be accompanied by pain. The most common locations for lung cancer to cause skin changes are on the abdomen, chest, back and head. Less often, lung cancer metastases may develop on the fingers, toes, mouth and groin.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer in Women Versus Men

Symptoms of lung cancer are virtually the same in men and women. Because lung cancer is a leading cause of death in both men and women, early detection is vital. Lung cancer found in earlier stages has a higher likelihood of successful treatment. Patients concerned about possible symptoms should speak with their health care provider.