The Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Most patients that come to see me in the office do so because they are experiencing a symptom, or a change from their usual state of health. Never hesitate to visit your doctor if you think something is wrong.
Cough
You may be surprised to learn that cough is the most common symptom of lung cancer. But don’t be alarmed: most people with a cough do not have lung cancer. However, when lung cancer is present, it is almost invariably accompanied by a cough. Up to 75% of patients with lung cancer have a cough when they visit the office of a pulmonologist (a doctor who deals with the lung and respiratory system). Please remember that a cough is a very nonspecific symptom and will often be seen in association with other lung diseases, ranging from a simple viral illness to more serious, chronic lung diseases. However, some chronic lung diseases that can cause a cough, like emphysema or "COPD." increase the risk of lung cancer. It is important to tell your doctor about the nature of your cough.
Your doctor will ask you if anything comes up with the cough, such as phlegm (also known as sputum). Some of my patients with chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis or COPD produce sputum every day. A change in sputum, however, is of concern for these patients. This may involve a change in the color or quantity of sputum or, most frightening of all for the patient, the presence of blood. One rare type of lung cancer known as bronchoalveolar lung cancer is associated with "bronchorrhea" – the production of voluminous quantities of frothy sputum.
