Non-small cell lung cancer signs

A cough may become more frequent or change from your usual pattern. Some people notice wheezing, repeated chest infections, tiredness, reduced appetite, or pain that worsens with breathing or coughing. Lung cancer can also be found during imaging done for another reason, before it causes noticeable symptoms. These changes have many possible causes, including infections and non-cancerous lung conditions, so a symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

A clinician may review your history, listen to your chest, and arrange imaging. If a scan shows an area that needs clarification, further tests may include a tissue sample and laboratory analysis.

Arrange a medical assessment for a cough that persists, recurring chest infections, unexplained breathlessness, coughing blood, or a voice change that does not settle. Bring a list of medicines, smoking or occupational exposures, previous chest conditions, and when each symptom began. Testing may involve a chest scan, breathing assessment, blood tests, or biopsy, depending on the findings.

If cancer is confirmed, treatment is chosen after considering the tumour location, cell type, stage, overall health, and molecular features. Options may include surgery, focused radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.

Seek emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty, coughing up a large amount of blood, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, or chest pain with sweating or marked weakness. Do not wait for a routine appointment when symptoms are intense or progressing quickly.

Which symptom needs investigation first? What tests will distinguish an infection from a tumour? If imaging finds a lung nodule, what is the next step? Would a biopsy or molecular testing change treatment choices?