Lung cancer - Symptoms of lung cancer

There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer. However, symptoms develop as the condition progresses.

The main symptoms of lung cancer are listed below. If you have any of these, you should see your GP:

• a cough that doesn’t go away after two or three weeks
• a long-standing cough that gets worse
• persistent chest infections
• coughing up blood
• an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
• persistent breathlessness
• persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

Less common symptoms of lung cancer include:

• changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger (this is known as finger clubbing)
• a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above 
• difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
• wheezing
• a hoarse voice 
• swelling of your face or neck
• persistent chest or shoulder pain

Want to know more?

• Cancer Research UK: symptoms of lung cancer
• Macmillan: symptoms of lung cancer