Symptoms

The following signs and symptoms are sometimes seen in lung cancer:

• A cough that doesn't go away and gets worse over time
• Chest pain that doesn't go away
• Coughing up blood
• Feeling short of breath
• Wheezing
• Losing your voice (hoarseness)
• Frequent episodes of pneumonia and/or bronchitis
• Swollen neck and face
• Not hungry, losing weight without trying
• Feeling tired

Visiting your primary care provider

Questions your primary care provider may ask you

Your provider will ask you questions that will help determine your medical history and what risk factors for lung cancer that you may have.

• What symptoms have you had? For how long?
• Have you or any of your relatives been diagnosed with cancer?
• Do you have a history of serious lung infections like tuberculosis?
• Do you currently smoke? For how long? Are you a former smoker?
• Have you been exposed to second-hand smoke?
• What jobs have you had, and might you have been exposed to any chemicals at your workplace that cause cancer (carcinogens)?

Tests your primary care provider may order

Your provider will do a physical exam and will likely order some tests. Common symptoms of lung cancer can be caused by chest infections or other factors, and such tests are an important first step in finding the cause.

A chest x-ray is often one of the first tests your provider will order. Chest x-rays are not the most accurate way to diagnose lung cancer: “false negatives” are known to occur. A negative x-ray does not necessarily rule out lung cancer, especially if you continue to experience symptoms.

Your provider may order a blood test to look for signs of infection or other abnormalities.