Lung Cancer

Signs & Symptoms

Lung cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages. Most signs and symptoms appear after the disease has progressed, and they may be similar to those caused by other, more common conditions. Still, any persistent or worsening symptom should be evaluated by a doctor.

Common signs and symptoms may include:

• A persistent cough or a new cough that does not go away
• Coughing up blood, even in small amounts
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Hoarseness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Bone pain

People with cancer that has spread to the lungs (secondary or metastatic lung cancer) may experience similar symptoms, especially a persistent cough, breathlessness, or coughing up blood-tinged phlegm. Symptoms can overlap with infections or other noncancerous conditions, so it's important to seek medical advice if concerns arise.

Causes

Lung cancer develops when cells in the lungs acquire changes in their DNA that allow them to grow uncontrollably. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but the disease can also occur in people who have never smoked or had significant exposure to secondhand smoke. In many of these cases, the exact cause is unknown.

How smoking contributes to lung cancer

Cigarette smoke contains numerous carcinogens that damage the cells lining the lungs. With each inhalation, these harmful substances injure lung tissue. The body can repair some of this damage at first, but repeated exposure creates more genetic changes over time. Eventually, damaged cells may begin to grow and divide in abnormal ways, leading to cancer.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer. Some are related to lifestyle or environmental exposure, while others are not within your control. Common risk factors include:

• Smoking: The leading risk factor for lung cancer. Risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the length of time spent smoking. Quitting smoking at any age lowers your risk.
• Secondhand smoke: Regular exposure to another person's smoke can raise your risk, even if you have never smoked yourself.
• Prior chest radiation: Radiation therapy used to treat other cancers can increase the chance of developing lung cancer later in life.
• Radon exposure: Radon gas can build up in homes and buildings. Long-term exposure to high levels increases lung cancer risk.
• Workplace carcinogens: Exposure to substances like asbestos, arsenic, chromium, or nickel can elevate risk, especially when combined with smoking.
• Family history: Having a close relative with lung cancer may increase your risk, suggesting a possible inherited or shared environmental component.

Types of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is classified based on how the cancer cells look under a microscope. Identifying the type helps guide treatment options and predict how the disease may behave. The two main types are:

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

Find Care

Early evaluation and timely treatment can make a meaningful difference in outcomes for lung cancer. Our specialists provide coordinated care at locations close to home, offering access to advanced testing, treatment technologies, and multidisciplinary expertise.

If you have concerns about lung cancer symptoms or risk, or if you need guidance after a new diagnosis, our teams are here to help you take the next step.