Lung Cancer Symptoms: How to Identify Early Warning Signs

A cough that doesn't go away. A heaviness in one's chest. Or a tiredness that lingers without explanation. These signs may not seem alarming at first, but they can carry more weight than one realizes.

Lung cancer often starts quietly, with early symptoms being subtle and often mistaken for a seasonal infection or the effects of pollution. Many people dismiss them or wait a long time to seek help, thinking they will pass on their own.

But the sooner one reaches out, the better the chances of catching lung cancer at an early, more treatable stage. Today, treatment options have advanced significantly, with targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and less invasive procedures offering better outcomes and fewer side effects.

In this blog, we'll explore the common lung cancer symptoms, the lesser-known signs that often get overlooked, and the key risk factors to be aware of.

5 early symptoms of lung cancer you shouldn't ignore

In early lung cancer stages, there are no noticeable signs. In fact, the symptoms that are present resemble other less severe conditions like the common flu or a persistent cough, which many people tend to ignore. But it's important to pay attention.

The key to early detection and timely care is recognizing when these symptoms last longer than they should. So, here are the early lung cancer symptoms and when they need further evaluation.

1. A cough that doesn't leave

Pay attention to a cough that lasts longer than three weeks. Coughs linked to respiratory infections typically clear up within a week or two, but one that lingers could be a sign that should not be ignored.

While it won't always mean cancer, it's still worth getting checked. Make an appointment with the healthcare provider if the cough sounds hoarse or leaves behind blood or an unusual amount of mucus.

2. Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath or trouble breathing can also indicate lung cancer symptoms. It happens when the disease blocks your airway or if fluid from the tumour builds up in the chest.

The blocked or inflamed airways can also cause a wheezing or whistling sound when you breathe. However, note that wheezing also has other causes that are easily treatable.

Still, if you find yourself short of breath after simple activities like climbing stairs or doing tasks that used to feel easy, seek medical help.

3. Hoarseness or voice change

In some cases, lung cancer can affect the nerves that control the vocal cords, causing the voice to sound raspy, weak, or different from what it usually does. This change might start gradually or come suddenly, and it often lasts longer than a typical cold-related voice change.

If the voice doesn't return to normal within a couple of weeks, especially if there are no other signs of infection, it's a good idea to see the doctor.

4. Weight loss or fatigue

It's normal to feel tired after a long day or lose a little weight during times of stress. But when fatigue lingers for weeks or weight loss happens without trying, it could be the body's way of telling you something isn't right, and it's essential to pay attention to it.

5. Frequent chest infections

Everyone catches a cold or cough from time to time. But lung cancer can sometimes block airways and make the lungs more prone to infection.

So, when chest infections like bronchitis or pneumonia don't fully clear up or keep coming back within short gaps, it's something to take seriously.

5 less common and overlooked signs of lung cancer

The most common lung cancer symptoms involve breathing or coughing, but the disease can also show in less obvious ways. These signs are often overlooked until they actually become worse, which is why knowing about them matters. Let's take a look:

1. Finger clubbing

Not all lung cancer pain is limited to the chest. Sometimes, it can spread to the bones, causing deeper discomfort in the back, shoulder, or other parts of the body. This pain can feel more noticeable at night or when you're moving around.

2. Swelling in the face or neck

A feeling of puffiness around the neck or face, particularly in the morning, can be linked to pressure on a central vein in the chest. It may also come with a feeling of tightness near the face.

3. Difficulty or pain while swallowing

If eating or drinking begins to feel uncomfortable or if food sticks in the throat more often, this can sometimes be connected to changes in the chest or throat area. These issues might develop slowly and are often mistaken for acid reflux or a sore throat.

4. Changes in fingers

Finger clubbing is a term used when the tips of the fingers appear swollen or rounded, and the nails curve downward. It usually develops over time and can be linked to a lack of oxygen in the blood. This is a subtle change, but when noticed, it can be a sign of something deeper affecting the lungs.

5. Horner syndrome

This rare condition affects one side of the face or one eye, leading to drooping eyelids, a smaller pupil, and reduced facial sweating. When lung cancer is located at the top part of the lung, it can affect the nerves that control these facial functions.

4 risk factors that make these symptoms more serious

Some external factors can raise the risk of lung cancer, and being aware of them gives you the chance to reduce exposure and protect your lungs. Here are some of the most common ones to keep in mind:

1. Smoking

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cigarette smoking is the leading cause responsible for 80% to 90% of cases.

Tobacco smoke from cigarettes, bidis, and hookah all carry this risk. The longer and more heavily one smokes, the higher their risk. But quitting at any age can make a huge difference in protecting the lungs.

2. Air pollution and indoor smoke

Long-term exposure to polluted air, especially in cities or near highways, can affect a person's lungs. In rural homes, using chulhas or cooking over open flames without good ventilation adds to the risk. Burning incense or mosquito coils in small, enclosed spaces can also contribute.

3. Workplace exposure

People working around dust, chemicals, or fumes, such as those in construction, mining, welding, or factories, may breathe in harmful substances every day. Over time, this kind of exposure can damage lung tissue and increase the chance of cancer.

4. Family history or previous lung conditions

If a person has a family member who has lung cancer, their own risk may be slightly higher. A history of tuberculosis or chronic lung infections can also make the lungs more vulnerable to future problems.

What comes next and when to seek help?

Symptoms like an extended cough, breathlessness after simple activity, or chest discomfort may not seem serious at first. But when these signs stick around or start getting worse, it's important to get a doctor's consultation.

Not all symptoms mean cancer, but early checks can help catch issues before they become harder to treat. When speaking to the doctor:

Be open about the health history - whether it involves smoking, previous lung problems, or anything else.

Sharing when symptoms began and how they've changed over time.

If needed, they may suggest a few tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to clarify the diagnosis and rule out concerns.

Remember, early action isn't something to fear but something that can save lives. So, stay informed, pay attention to changes in the body, and act promptly to get the care needed and protect the health.

FAQs on early lung cancer signs

How is lung cancer different from TB?

Lung cancer and TB have similar symptoms like weight loss, cough, and chest pain, but TB often causes a moist cough, low-grade evening fever, and gradual weight loss, while lung cancer comes with a persistent dry cough, non-specific fever, and sudden weight loss.

Does vaping cause lung cancer?

While there is no specific research directly linking vaping alone to cancer, vaping is not risk-free because it exposes users to substances like carcinogenic chemicals known to be linked to cancer. Also, people who both smoke and vape are at a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to those who only smoke

Are there any screening options for people at average risk (non-smokers or younger individuals)?

Currently, lung cancer screening (low-dose CT scans) is recommended only for high-risk individuals, such as older adults with a significant smoking history. There are no standard screening programs for people at an average risk. However, anyone experiencing persistent, unexplained symptoms should consult a healthcare provider.

How can you reduce the risk of developing lung cancer?

Making certain lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of lung cancer. One of the most effective steps is to avoid smoking or quit if you already smoke. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and staying physically active also helps.

Remember to pay attention to ongoing symptoms like coughs or colds to control any kind of infection at the starting stage before it harms your lungs.