[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/11\/lung-cancer-symtoms-cough\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/11\/lung-cancer-symtoms-cough\/","headline":"Lung Cancer Symptoms: When It’s More Than a Cough","name":"Lung Cancer Symptoms: When It’s More Than a Cough","description":"Lung cancer symptoms are similar to cold and flu symptoms. Learn more about these symptoms and find out when it's time for you to see the doctor.","datePublished":"2014-11-24","dateModified":"2021-02-11","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/lung-cancer-symtoms-cough.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/lung-cancer-symtoms-cough.jpg","height":323,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/11\/lung-cancer-symtoms-cough\/","about":["Cancer Care","Lung Cancer"],"wordCount":330,"keywords":["common cold","Coughing","disease","intense coughing","lung cancer","lung cancer symptoms","lung cancers","non-small cell lung cancer","Pain in the chest","small cell lung cancer","sore throats","symptoms"],"articleBody":"With the change from summer to fall and winter comes cold symptoms such as runny noses, sore throats, and coughing. Symptoms like these are a part of being sick; however, prolonged and intense coughing can be an indicator of something more serious than the common cold.November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to know the facts about this disease and what to look for.There are two types of lung cancer:Non-small cell: This is the most common type of lung cancer, and accounts for about 90 percent of lung cancers.We now know that there are many types of non-small cell lung cancer which can be grouped based on distinct genetic abnormalities. These lung cancers are important to find as it makes patients candidates for targeted or personalized therapies.Small Cell: About 10 to 15 percent of lung cancers is small cell. This type is more difficult to treat, as it grows and spreads more quickly.Unfortunately, symptoms of lung cancer usually don’t appear until the disease is advanced, so it is important to talk to your doctor about anything you find unusual or think is more than just a cold.Lung Cancer SymptomsSymptoms you should be aware of include:Pain in the chest, back, or shoulderShortness of breathRecurrent pneumoniaColor change in mucusA cough that will not go awayCoughing up blood or phlegmHowever, not all lung cancer symptoms happen in the chest. The following are also symptoms of lung cancer:Neck of facial swellingFatigueBody and muscle aches and weaknessUnexplained weight loss or loss of appetiteSo whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving dinner, or cutting coupons for Black Friday shopping, be aware of typical cold symptoms that get worse or persist, because they may be an indicator of something more serious. To learn more about lung cancer, contact your doctor or visit UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.Don’t forget to wear your white to support Lung Cancer Awareness Month!"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"11","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/11\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Lung Cancer Symptoms: When It’s More Than a Cough","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/11\/lung-cancer-symtoms-cough\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]