Lung cancer

Symptoms of lung cancer

Lung cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stages. Many of the signs and symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions but finding lung cancer early can mean that it's easier to treat. So if you notice any symptoms or changes get them checked out by your GP as soon as possible.

The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:

having a new cough, a cough most of the time or a change in cough
getting out of breath doing the things you used to do without a problem
a hoarse voice
coughing up phlegm (sputum) with blood in it
having an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder
chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn't get better
losing your appetite
feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
losing weight without trying to

In the video below, Gerard talks about the lung cancer symptoms he had. The video is 1 minute and 14 seconds long.

Get tips on seeing your GP about your symptoms

Lung changes that show on an x-ray

Sometimes doctors might find some unusual changes on your chest x-ray. Your doctor might have arranged an x-ray for other reasons, and you might not have any symptoms.

Changes on a chest x-ray don’t always mean that you have lung cancer. There can be other causes, such as an infection. But your doctor might arrange other tests to look further at the changes.

Changes in the shape of your fingers and fingernails

Some people have swollen fingers and nails (finger clubbing). This is more common in non small cell lung cancer.

They may also have pain and swelling in their joints. This condition is called hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPOA).

It is rare, but some types of lung cancer cells produce hormones that go into the bloodstream. These hormones can cause symptoms that don’t seem related to lung cancer. Doctors call them paraneoplastic syndrome. It is more common in small cell lung cancer.

These hormone symptoms might include:

feeling and being sick (nausea and vomiting)
headaches
confusion or trouble thinking clearly
feeling weak or tired
feeling restless or irritable
muscle weakness, spasms, cramps or aches
seizures or passing out
difficulty walking and climbing stairs
difficulty lifting objects or raising the arms
drooping eyelids, dry eyes and blurred vision
swallowing problems
dizziness when standing up
a dry mouth
constipation
not being able to get and maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)
strength that temporarily improves when exercising, but then reduces as exercise continues

Pancoast tumours

A very rare type of lung cancer growing right at the top of the lung is called a Pancoast tumour. These tumours cause very specific symptoms.

The most common symptom is severe shoulder pain. Pain might travel down the arm or up the head and neck.

Pancoast tumours can also cause a collection of symptoms called Horner syndrome. These are:

drooping or weakness of one eyelid
a small pupil in the same eye
loss of sweating on one side of the face

The symptoms of Horner syndrome are caused by the tumour pressing on or damaging a nerve that runs up from the neck to that side of the face.

Read about Pancoast tumours

Symptoms of metastatic lung cancer

You might have other symptoms if you have metastatic cancer. Metastatic lung cancer means that the cancer has spread from where it started in the lung. It is also called advanced lung cancer.

If you have any of these symptoms you must get them checked by your GP. But remember, they can all be caused by other conditions. Most people with these symptoms don’t have lung cancer.

Last reviewed: 07 Oct 2025

Next review due: 06 Oct 2028

Seeing your GP when you have symptoms of lung cancer

See your GP if you notice a change that isn't normal for you or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of lung cancer.

Referral to a specialist for symptoms of lung cancer

Your GP should arrange for you to see a specialist or have tests if you have symptoms that could be due to lung cancer.

Diagnosing lung cancer

You usually start by seeing your GP, and they might refer you to a specialist and organise tests. Or you might be referred to a specialist and further tests if screening for lung cancer or a lung health check showed that you might have lung cancer.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer starts in the windpipe (trachea), the main airway (bronchus) or the lung tissue. Cancer that starts in the lung is called primary lung cancer.

Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPOA)

Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy is a condition that affects some people with lung cancer.

Lung cancer main page

Lung cancer starts in the windpipe (trachea), the main airway (bronchus) or the lung tissue. Cancer that starts in the lung is called primary lung cancer.