Cancerbackup: Symptoms

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Symptoms of lung cancer

The symptoms of lung cancer may include any of the following:

  • a continuing cough, or change in a long-standing cough
  • a chest infection that doesn’t get better
  • increasing breathlessness
  • coughing up blood-stained phlegm (sputum)
  • a hoarse voice
  • a dull ache, or a sharp pain, when you cough or take a deep breath
  • loss of appetite and loss of weight
  • difficulty swallowing
  • excessive tiredness (fatigue) and lethargy.

If you have any of the above symptoms, it‘s important to have them checked by your doctor. All of these symptoms may also be caused by illnesses other than cancer.


Content last reviewed: 01 December 2008
Page last modified: 06 February 2009

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