Lung cancer usually does not cause symptoms in its early stages. Some of the symptoms of lung cancer include chronic cough, wheezing, hoarseness, weight loss or loss of appetite, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, and persistent cases of bronchitis or pneumonia. When symptoms occur, the cancer is often advanced.
The symptoms of lung cancer are common to other lung diseases, however. Therefore, a doctor performs a series of tests to determine the cause of the symptoms.
When lung cancer is first detected, doctors identify the stage of the cancer. This helps determine which treatment is best. Tests also are conducted to find out whether the cancer has spread, and, if so, to which parts of the body. This information helps doctors plan the most effective treatment.
Types of lung cancer: