What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

[hanaguchi]

What are they syptoms of lung cancer? A very close friend who has been a heavy smoker for a long time has been getting pains in his chest and literally sounds very bad. Are there any clear symptoms that one might have lung cancer?
thanks

[ipnotica]

Unfortunately, lung cancer often produces no symptoms until it is at an advanced stage.  Symptoms of lung cancer include shortness of breath, persistent cough, coughing up blood, pain when coughing, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, hoarseness, chest pain, recurring bouts of bronchitis and/or pneumonia.  Less common symptoms which are usually associated with advanced lung cancer are difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face, swelling in the neck, pain under the ribs on the right side.

If your friend has any of these symptoms he should see a doctor right away.  He should have a chest x-ray, or a CT scan would be even better.  Lung cancer is much more treatable if caught in the early stages.

Please tell your friend to see a doctor - the sooner the better!  

[trft]

I agree with ipnotica.  I think the two biggest symptoms of lung cancer are (1) a previous behavior smoking cigarettes and (2) coughing up blood.  If you have any blood, you should see a doctor soon, imo.  What else?  Yeah, 20% of all heavy smokers get lung cancer.  So I'd ask my doc for an x-ray.  That's how I found mine... by accident... they were taking an x-ray of my back.  I had no idea I had lc with a 5cm tumor.  For the most part, the earlier you find non small cell lung cancer the better.  trfter

[mexplorer]

There is some info here about Lung Cancer and its treatment

http://www.medical-explorer.com/cancer.php?025

[Giveypup]

An x-ray will miss lesions smaller than 8 mm.  A CT scan of the chest will pick up rice size lesions, which are infinitely more survivable.

Lung Cancer Alliance is a great resource for all things lung cancer.

[lgde]

does lung cancer run in famillies?  My parents were very heavy smokers when we were kids.  My dad died 20 years ago from liung cancer, my mom has just been dxd and I have to see an oncologist for 2 spots in my lung.  Is all yjis coincidence or family related.  I do not smoke and very very few of our friends do either. lgde

[Giveypup]

Yes, lung cancer for smokers and never-smokers is now considered to have a genetic component, and 2nd hand smoke, Radon, air pollution would augment the risk.

Only a CT scan with follow up with a PET scan will tell one whether lung cancer is likely.  Even then, one still needs a biopsy.

[kel_pattons]

Everyone be aware, lung