Symptoms:
Lung cancers tend to spread very early, but only about 15% are detected in early stages when they are most treatable. Many symptoms of lung cancer are similar to those caused by other diseases. The chance of early detection is improved by promptly seeking medical care if any of the following symptoms appear:
- a cough that does not go away
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- persistent hoarseness
- swelling of the neck and face
- unintentional significant weight loss
- fatigue and loss of appetite
- bloody or brown-colored spit or phlegm (sputum)
- unexplained fever
- recurrent lung infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
