Symptoms

Although some cancers initially have no symptoms, others are diagnosed during an evaluation for any of the following:

• A persistent cough

• Coughing up of blood (hemoptysis)

• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite

• Shortness of breath or wheezing

• Fatigue

• Increased mucus secretions or phlegm coughed from the lungs

• Difficulty swallowing

• Pain in the chest, shoulder or arm

• Recurrent pneumonias in the same place

• Bone pain

• Hoarseness

• Headaches, confusion or seizures

• Swelling of the face, neck or upper extremities

• Enlargement of the ends of fingers and toes (digital clubbing)

• High levels of calcium, leading to abnormalities of kidney function and fatigue