7 Surprising Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Because lung cancer develops in the lungs, as you’d probably expect, its most common symptoms involve the lungs. Persistent coughing, coughing up blood or excess mucus, shortness of breath, and chest pain are all common signs of lung cancer. The presence of these symptoms doesn’t definitively mean you have lung cancer, though, as they can also be caused by other conditions. That’s why it’s important to be evaluated by your doctor sooner rather than later.  

Here are seven other symptoms of lung cancer that don’t have anything to do with the lungs:

1. Clubbing of the fingernails and toenails. 
2. Weakness or numbness in arm or shoulder.
3. Unexplained loss of voice. 
4. Swelling and discoloration of upper body. 
5. Extreme thirst and frequent urination. 
6. The sudden desire to quit smoking. 
7. Horner syndrome

1. Clubbing of the Fingernails and/or Toenails

Clubbing, or enlargement, of the tip of the finger or toe, occurs when excess soft tissue forms under the nail beds. This causes a change in how the nails emerge from the nail bed. In a normal finger or toe, there is a slight “V”-shaped angle between the nail and the nail bed. In a clubbed finger or toe, there is no “V”-shaped angle, because the tissue has built up and covered that area.

Clubbing in fingers or toes occurs in many conditions, including lung cancer. One clue to doctors that clubbing could indicate lung cancer is when fingers are also nicotine-stained. Clubbing occurs in stages. In early-stage lung cancer finger clubbing, the nail bed may be soft and the skin next to it may be shiny; nails may appear more curved than usual when viewed from the side, and the ends of fingers may become larger than usual. Finger clubbing associated with advanced lung cancer may cause extra areas of bone to form along the finger joints and wrists. Clubbing is one of several symptoms caused by substances (such as hormones or proteins) secreted by cancer cells.

2. Arm and Shoulder Pain, Weakness and/or Numbness

Lung cancer can also spread from the top of the lung, causing tumors in the nerves of the arms and/or shoulders. These tumors are sometimes called Pancoast tumors. The symptoms associated with a Pancoast tumor are known as Pancoast syndrome. These symptoms can include shoulder pain that radiates to the inner part of the scapula (the large, flat bone that covers the ribs on the back.) Pain may eventually extend to the inner arm, elbow, and pinky and ring fingers.

Other symptoms of Pancoast syndrome include:

• swelling in the upper arm
• tightness in chest
• fatigue
• unexplained weight loss
• weakness, muscle loss, or lack of coordination in hands
• tingling or numbness in the hands
  

Pancoast syndrome pain may become so severe that it requires prescription pain medications for relief.

3. Loss of or Hoarse Voice

Difficulty producing sounds or abnormal changes in speech sounds may be a symptom of early lung cancer.

In advanced lung cancer cases, loss of voice or hoarseness is a common symptom that can be caused by several factors. 

• Lung cancer may affect or damage the nerves controlling the larynx (voice box). 
• Additionally, if a tumor expands to the area between the lungs, it can put pressure on the larynx.
• People with lung cancer often suffer from chronic coughing, which can also cause loss of voice.

Each of these factors can cause your voice to change or disappear completely.

The most common cause of voice loss is laryngitis. However, If you experience hoarseness or loss of voice for more than two weeks you should see your primary care doctor.

4. Upper Body Swelling and Discoloration

As lung cancer spreads, it sometimes generates tumors that restrict the large vein that carries blood away from the head and arms, back to the heart. When this happens, blood flow slows causing blood to back up in the veins. The excess fluid may cause the face, neck, upper chest, and arms to swell. The skin in these areas may also take on a bluish-red hue.

Swelling can develop quickly or slowly. However, an early symptom may be facial or eye swelling first thing in the morning. If you have explained swelling that doesn't go away on its own then you should talk with your doctor.

5. Extreme Thirst and Frequent Urination

Thirst is common with the sudden onset of warmer weather, but sudden extreme thirst is a symptom that you should always discuss with your doctor. Some lung cancer tumors create a protein that acts very similar to the parathyroid hormone produced by the parathyroid gland. The parathyroid gland and kidneys normally regulate calcium levels in the body.

Cancer tumors can disrupt the process of regulating calcium, and lead to too much calcium in the bloodstream. Having a higher than usual level of calcium in the blood is called hypercalcemia, and about 10% to 20% of people with cancer develop hypercalcemia. High calcium levels are associated with being thirst and frequent urination.

6. Sudden Desire and Ability to Quit Smoking

This is certainly the most ironic lung-cancer warning sign. It's common for most smokers to have difficulty quitting. However, a number of lung cancer patients end up kicking the habit before getting a lung cancer diagnosis.

Related Read: 6 Helpful Tips for Tobacco Users to Quit Smoking

While many patients quit smoking because they're hoping to alleviate symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath, many patients suddenly find quitting easy. Since patients suddenly have the ability to quit without difficulty, the symptom is likely caused by changes in the body related to cancer.

A study published in the Journal of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer concluded that 48% of the 115 lung cancer patients they evaluated quit smoking spontaneously and with very little effort before they were diagnosed with lung cancer. The researchers believe that early lung cancer tumors may secrete a substance that blocks a nicotine addiction.

7. Horner Syndrome