Small Cell Lung Cancer Symptoms  

Due to its aggressive characteristic, small cell lung cancer is rarely asymptomatic; it is often associated with a variety of symptoms. Small cell lung cancer tends to cause cough, f atigue and anorexia. With times, however, other symptoms can emerge, which vary depending on tissue affected.   

Symptoms due to primary tumor 

·         loss of appetite 

·         weight loss 

·         chest pain  

·         shortness of breath  

·         Coughing up of blood or of blood-stained sputum (hemoptysis).  

When the cancer has reached surrounding organs/tissues, it can provoke: 

·         wheezing, due to compression of the trachea and mainstem bronchi; 

·         superior vena cava obstruction 

·         harsh, raspy, or strained voice (hoarseness) 

·         phrenic nerve palsy 

·         Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), due to compression of esophagus.  

Symptoms associated with distant metastases can include: 

·         neurological dysfunction, due to brain metastasis, spinal cord compression 

·         bone pain, due to bone metastasis 

·         Abdominal/right upper quadrant pain, due to liver metastasis.  

Small Cell Lung Cancer Risk Factors                          Small Cell Lung Cancer Complications