8 Surprising Signs of Lung Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

People typically imagine persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath when they think about lung cancer symptoms. In addition to these hallmark symptoms, lung cancer can also present unusual or surprising symptoms that are often overlooked, especially by non-smokers.

These lesser-known symptoms can delay diagnosis and treatment if not recognized early, ranging from back pain to digestive issues. Lung cancer is the deadliest form of the disease in the United States, accounting for nearly 132,000 deaths (22 percent) in 2021, according to the American Cancer Society. Eight in 10 lung cancer deaths are linked to tobacco use, but the disease is being diagnosed in a growing number of nonsmokers. One U.K. study found the percentage of lung cancer patients who never smoked more than doubled from 2008 to 2014—from 13 percent to 28 percent—due to radon, air pollution, and other factors.

In this article, we will discuss 8 signs of lung cancer that could easily be mistaken for everyday illnesses. Early detection and treatment can be achieved by recognizing these warning signs and consulting a healthcare provider.

To help you recognize the surprising signs of lung cancer, this article details the symptoms you should bring to your health care provider’s attention:

• Back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Dizziness
• Clubbed fingers and toes
• Raspy voice
• Eye changes
• Stomach issues
• Swelling or bloating

If you believe you may be experiencing signs of lung cancer and want to schedule a consultation, or if you’re interested in a second opinion on your diagnosis and treatment plan, call us or chat online with a member of our team.

1. Persistent Back Pain

Lung cancer-related tumors can indeed press against the nerve or spine or even spread to the bones, causing chronic back pain. It can even appear earlier. Imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or MRI, may reveal an underlying cause if medication isn’t effective.

2. Unexplained Shoulder Pain

Shoulder or shoulder blade pain, especially if it worsens with deep breathing, laughing, or coughing, may be a sign of rare lung cancer like a Pancoast tumor affecting nearby nerves or the spinal cord. If pain is persistent, it should be evaluated.

3. Dizziness or Balance Issues

Advanced lung cancer can metastasize (spread) to the brain, leading to neurological symptoms like dizziness, headaches, loss of balance, and seizures. While this may be linked to dehydration and anemia, brain metastasis is a serious condition with advanced cancer.

4. Clubbed Fingers or Toes

It’s a rare but specific symptom, digital clubbing (bulging fingertips or curved nails), which can indicate low blood oxygen level, often associated with underlying lung conditions, including Lung cancer. A simple “Schamroth window test” is a simple self-assessment that can help identify it.

5. Hoarseness or Raspy Voice

A persistent change in the voice quality (raspy, breathy, or strained) may be caused by a tumor if it affects the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the vocal cord, and requires medical attention. If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

6. Eye or Vision Changes

Horner’s Syndrome is a condition characterized by drooping eyelids (ptosis), small pupils (miosis), and reduced sweating (anhydrosis), often caused by Pancoast tumors (lung cancers at the top of the lung), affecting sympathetic nerves with clear neurological signs that need immediate attention.

7. Stomach Issues and Digestive Discomfort

Lung cancer can cause hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood), often due to the tumor affecting calcium levels. Hypercalcemia causes symptoms like nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite. This is a biochemical imbalance often overlooked in early diagnosis.

8. Swelling or Bloating (Especially in Women)

Unexplained bloating or swelling in the arms, chest, or face can be a sign of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS), which occurs when the tumor in the chest compresses the superior vena cava, a large vein returning from the upper body to the heart. It can also cause enlarged neck veins with difficulty swallowing.

Note: Symptoms may also result from several less serious conditions. However, if they persist, have no clear cause, or become more severe, particularly in individuals with lung cancer risk factors such as a history of smoking, medical evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

Why Early Diagnosis of Lung Cancer Matters

Improved Survival Rates: Early diagnosis of lung cancer (Stage I or II) can help in more effective treatment with improved chances of long-term survival. As the cancer progresses to later stages (Stage III or IV), treatment becomes more challenging, often focusing on managing symptoms and extending life rather than achieving a cure.
More Treatment Options: Early diagnosis offers a wider range of effective treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and localized therapies. For advanced stages, treatment options might be limited to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies, which may have reduced curative potential.

Less Aggressive Treatment: Early detection of cancer can sometimes mean less invasive or less aggressive treatments with fewer side effects and a better quality of life during and after treatment.

Reduced Spread: Early diagnosis prevents the cancer from becoming metastasized in later stages, making lung cancer so deadly in its later stages.

Managing Symptoms Earlier: Early diagnosis allows for the management of symptoms sooner, which can improve a patient’s quality of life.

Takeaway

Recognizing these rare lung cancer symptoms early could be crucial for distinguishing between successful treatment and complications that arise in later stages. If you or someone is experiencing these signs, consult a healthcare provider at the best cancer clinic without delay. Early detection saves lives.

FAQs

What are the uncommon early signs of lung cancer?
Back pain, hoarseness, swollen arms, clubbed fingers, and dizziness may all be overlooked signs of early-stage lung cancer.

Can lung cancer cause digestive problems?
Yes, hypercalcemia linked to lung cancer can lead to nausea, constipation, and abdominal pain.

Is shoulder pain linked to lung cancer?
Yes. Persistent shoulder or upper back pain may be caused by tumors pressing on nerves.

What is Horner’s syndrome, and how is it related to lung cancer?
Horner’s syndrome is a condition that affects the eyes and face due to nerve damage, commonly caused by Pancoast tumors in the lung.

How is lung cancer diagnosed if symptoms are vague?
Doctors may order chest X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or biopsy procedures to confirm a diagnosis based on symptoms and risk factors.

What Causes Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers, and Why Are Cases Increasing?
According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer accounted for nearly 132,000 deaths in 2021 alone. Smoking is responsible for around 80% of lung cancer cases.

Can Air Pollution and Radon Exposure Cause Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers?
Yes, Air pollution, radon exposure, and secondhand smoke have all played a significant role in recent years in increasing lung cancer diagnoses among non-smokers.