Symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer

Many people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) will experience symptoms, although some have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time or with treatment. Sometimes, non-small cell lung cancer is found on an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan done for another reason.

Most people with non-small cell lung cancer have symptoms that affect the lungs and airways, such as:

• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Feeling breathless or having difficulty breathing.
• A cough that does not go away, or a change in a long-standing cough.
• Chest infections that do not get better or that keep coming back.
• Coughing up blood.

Some people have more general symptoms, which might include:

• A hoarse voice.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Feeling very tired (fatigue).
• Loss of appetite.
• Losing weight without trying.
• Swollen fingers and nails (finger clubbing).

If non-small cell lung cancer has spread, it can cause other symptoms, depending on the part of the body which is affected. These could include:

• Severe headaches.
• Feeling sick.
• Pain in the abdomen.
• Feeling confused or having memory problems.
• Feeling weak.
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice).

It is important to speak to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may change as the cancer is treated. Some people with non-small cell lung cancer do not have symptoms, and the cancer may have been found on an X-ray or CT scan that was done for other reasons.

References

1. National Cancer Institute. Non-small cell lung cancer treatment (PDQ®)–patient version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/patient/non-small-cell-lung-treatment-pdq. Updated May 16, 2025. Accessed Mar 4, 2026.

2. Cancer Research UK. Symptoms of metastatic lung cancer. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/lung-cancer/metastatic/symptoms. Updated Oct 10, 2025. Accessed Mar 4, 2026.