What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Small Cell Lung Cancer?

This content has been reviewed and approved by

Chandra P. Belani, MD
Deputy Director, Penn State Cancer Institute
Miriam Beckner Professor of Medicine
Penn State University School of Medicine

In the early stages of lung cancer, you may not experience any obvious signs or symptoms. The absence of symptoms is typically the reason why most lung cancer is in a relatively advanced stage upon first diagnosis.

Early warning signs include a progressively worsening cough. A cough occurs when cancer cells irritate the lining of the airways or block the flow of air.

The following are the most common warning signs and symptoms of lung cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

• Constant chest pain
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Recurring lung infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
• Bloody or rust colored sputum (spit)
• Hoarseness
• Swelling of the neck and face caused by a tumor that presses on large blood vessels near the lung
• Pain and weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand caused by a tumor that presses on certain nerves near the lung
• Fever for unknown reason

Like other cancers, lung cancer can cause:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of weight
• Headache
• Pain in other parts of the body not affected by the cancer
• Bone fractures

Substances made by lung cancer cells can cause other symptoms. Certain lung cancer cells produce a substance that causes a sharp drop in the level of sodium (salt) in the blood. This can cause many symptoms, including confusion and sometimes even coma.

None of these symptoms is a sure sign of lung cancer. The symptoms of lung cancer may resemble another medical condition or problem. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.