Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer presents with a complex and varied range of symptoms. In the early stages, there may be no obvious symptoms, and the condition is often detected during routine physical examinations. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear: 1. **Cough**: This is the most common symptom, presenting as paroxysmal, irritating dry cough with little or no sputum. When the tumor causes bronchial narrowing, the cough may worsen, becoming high-pitched, metallic-sounding, or presenting as an irritating cough accompanied by choking. 2. **Blood-streaked sputum or hemoptysis**: This often manifests as intermittent blood-tinged sputum or occasional massive hemoptysis, and is more commonly seen in central-type lung cancer. 3. **Chest pain**: Pain occurs when the tumor invades adjacent organs or tissues. It may present as irregular, dull, or aching chest pain that often worsens during coughing. 4. **Chest tightness and shortness of breath**: These may result from bronchial narrowing caused by the tumor, airway compression, or pleural metastasis. 5. **Fever**: Fever often accompanies pneumonia or atelectasis caused by bronchial obstruction or compression by the tumor. Antibiotic treatment may provide temporary relief.