Story originally posted on 24 April 2009.

Early diagnosis of lung cancer can often mean more treatment options so people who may be concerned are encouraged to visit their GP as soon as possible.

The symptoms of lung cancer can include:

• Coughing a lot of the time
• A change in an existing cough
• Coughing up phlegm with blood in it
• Breathlessness
• An ache or pain when you cough or take a deep breath
• Feeling very tired
• Loss of appetite, and weight loss

Less common symptoms can include:

• Swelling of the face or neck
• Pain under your ribs (right hand side)
• A hoarse voice
• Trouble swallowing

Lung cancer can sometimes cause rare hormone-related symptoms, such as:

• Tingling or numbness in your toes or fingers
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Weakness in your muscles
• Swollen breasts in men, and blood clots (thrombosis)

Lung cancer that forms at the very top of your lung is usually referred to as a pancoast tumour. The type of lung cancer also has specific symptoms, including:

• Severe shoulder pain
• Weakness or drooping of one eye
• Smaller pupil in that eye
• No sweating at all on that side of your face

Having one or some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have lung cancer. All of the symptoms listed above can be caused by other illnesses. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your GP.