Lung cancer early warning signs and symptoms

Early-stage lung cancer often presents with subtle symptoms that can be difficult to recognize. Key warning signs include a persistent cough that lasts longer than one to two weeks, which may indicate an issue beyond a common cold or respiratory infection.

Other significant symptoms include chest pain, which may be continuous or dull, and can sometimes radiate to the back or shoulders. Additionally, coughing up blood—even if it is only small streaks in phlegm or mucus—is a serious symptom that may occur when a tumor invades small blood vessels in the bronchial mucosa or lung tissue.