Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Some common signs and symptoms of lung cancer include:

• Persistent cough
• Chronic chest pain
• Blood in sputum (spittle)
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness
• Recurring cases of pneumonia or bronchitis
• Neck and facial swelling
• Sudden weight loss
• Constant fatigue

The lung cancer symptoms listed above can be indicative of lung cancer or other medical conditions; if you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, contact a doctor for evaluation.

Diagnosing Lung Cancer

When a patient displays symptoms indicative of lung cancer, the physician evaluates certain criteria, including the person's medical history, smoking history, exposure to carcinogenic substances, and family history of cancer. The doctor generally performs a physical exam and may order a chest x-ray or other tests. If lung cancer is a distinct possibility, the doctor may analyze sputum under a microscope for signs of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the lungs is necessary for confirmation, however. The sample can be gathered using one of several different procedures:

• Bronchoscopy - A thin tube equipped with a light is inserted in the mouth or nose, passed down through the windpipe, and used to look at the breathing passages. Physicians can also use a bronchoscope to collect small tissue samples.
• Needle aspiration - The insertion of a needle into a tumor in order to withdraw fluid and tissue cells.
• Thoracentesis - Using a needle to extract a sample of the fluid that surrounds the lungs.
• Thoracotomy - Surgery to open the chest cavity is sometimes necessary to diagnose lung cancer.

If, upon an analysis of tissue samples, the diagnosis is cancer, the physician will "stage" the disease. This involves determining to what extent the cancer has advanced. If the cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body, it will affect the treatment plan. Some of the tests performed to stage lung cancer include: CAT scan, MRI, bone scan, and mediastinoscopy or mediastinotomy (using a scope to view and remove tissue samples from lymph nodes in the chest). Using information acquired from tests performed, the physician stages the cancer and evaluates treatment possibilities. Different forms of lung cancer have different stages and the prognosis can vary depending on each particular set of circumstances. In general, the earlier cancer is detected (before it has advanced and spread throughout the body) the better are the chances for successful treatment.