Lung cancer can present in a variety of ways, depending on where in the lung it is located and how far it has spread. In some cases, it may not cause any symptoms at all.
However, some of the most common signs of lung cancer include a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood or phlegm, and unexplained weight loss. Additionally, someone with lung cancer may experience hoarseness, fatigue, and difficulty swallowing.
On a physical exam, a doctor may be able to feel enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or above the collarbone. In addition, a chest X-ray or CT scan may reveal a mass or abnormal growth in the lungs.
Biopsies, which involve taking a sample of lung tissue for further examination, are used to diagnose lung cancer. If a patient has advanced lung cancer, a PET scan may be used to look for cancer cells in other parts of the body.
If lung cancer is confirmed, the doctor will determine the stage, or extent of the cancer, and a treatment plan will be developed. Treatment for lung cancer typically includes some combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.