Lung cancer sometimes has no symptoms and is found by chance on a chest X-ray taken for another problem [2]. The most common symptoms are a cough that does not go away or gets worse, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain or discomfort, hoarseness, unexplained loss of appetite and weight, and tiredness [2]. Most of these symptoms have simpler causes such as infection; but if they last several weeks — especially if you smoke or used to smoke — see your doctor.
Key points
- In 2022, lung cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide [1].
- Smoking is the most important risk factor, and stopping helps at any age [3].
- The USPSTF recommends yearly screening with a low-dose CT scan for adults aged 50 to 80 with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years who still smoke or have quit within the past 15 years [3].
- The diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy, and in advanced disease, testing the tumour for genetic mutations determines treatment [2, 4].
Symptoms of lung cancer
| Symptom | Explanation | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A persistent or worsening cough | A cough that does not go away or gets worse over time [2] | Tell your doctor about a long-lasting cough |
| Coughing up blood | Blood in what is coughed up from the lungs [2] | See a doctor as soon as possible; heavy bleeding: emergency |
| Shortness of breath and wheezing | Among the common symptoms listed [2] | Severe or sudden shortness of breath: emergency |
| Chest pain or discomfort | One of the symptoms listed [2] | Severe chest pain always needs urgent assessment |
| Hoarseness | One of the symptoms listed [2] | If it lasts more than a few weeks, see your doctor |
| Loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss and tiredness | General symptoms [2] | See your doctor to find the cause |
| Difficulty swallowing | One of the symptoms listed [2] | See a doctor as soon as possible |
| Swelling of the face and/or the neck veins | One of the symptoms listed [2] | Seek care straight away |
This table does not replace an examination by a doctor; in most people these symptoms have a benign cause.
The path to diagnosis
- 1
Imaging
A chest X-ray and chest CT scan are among the first tests [2].
- 2
Biopsy
By bronchoscopy, needle biopsy or other methods such as thoracoscopy and mediastinoscopy; the tissue obtained is examined under a microscope [2].
- 3
Molecular tests
In advanced non-small cell lung cancer, testing for targetable mutations (such as EGFR and ALK) determines treatment [4].
- 4
Staging
Further imaging, including PET-CT when needed, is used to find out how far the disease has spread [5].
When should I call my doctor?
Most coughs and breathlessness have simpler causes such as infection or asthma. But if you smoke or used to smoke and a cough or one of the symptoms above has lasted more than a few weeks, or you are coughing up blood, see your doctor.
Severe shortness of breath, coughing up a lot of blood, severe chest pain or sudden swelling of the face and neck need urgent care at an emergency department.
Related questions
Is a plain chest X-ray enough to rule out lung cancer?
Not always. In a large study of high-risk people, a yearly low-dose CT scan lowered deaths from lung cancer; one in every 5 deaths was prevented [6]. If you have symptoms, your doctor decides which imaging to use.
If a screening CT scan is "positive", does that mean I have cancer?
No. In the same study, almost all "suspicious" results turned out not to be cancer [6]. Most small lung nodules are not cancer and are clarified by follow-up.
Related cancer types
Related questions
References
6 referencesShow all references, 5 with a study cardClose the reference list
Numbers in the text, such as [1], refer to these sources. Sources with a “Study card” button are summarised in the site’s evidence library.
- 1Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries
- 2
- 3
- 4Oncogene-addicted metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up
- 5FDG PET/CT: EANM procedure guidelines for tumour imaging: version 2.0
- 6Reduced Lung-Cancer Mortality with Low-Dose Computed Tomographic Screening
This page is based on reputable scientific sources and was last updated on 28 October 2026. The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a specialist physician. Consult your treating physician about any treatment decision.
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