Major Warning Signs You Have Lung Cancer

13. Facial Swelling and Neck Vein Distension

A puffy face and visibly bulging veins in the neck may seem unrelated to the lungs—but they can signal a rare, serious complication called superior vena cava syndrome. Certain lung tumors, especially in the upper chest, can compress this major vein, which carries blood from the head and arms back to the heart. This blockage causes blood to back up, leading to facial swelling, neck fullness, and even headaches or dizziness when bending over. If you notice your face looking swollen without an allergic reaction—or neck veins that suddenly stand out—seek immediate medical attention.

14. Bone Pain, Especially at Night

Lung cancer that has spread (metastasized) often targets the bones—particularly the spine, hips, or ribs. The pain is typically deep, aching, and worse at night or when lying down. Unlike muscular pain, it doesn't ease with rest or common painkillers. This symptom may appear before lung issues are even noticeable, making it easy to misattribute to aging or physical strain. If you develop unexplained, worsening bone pain—especially if it's persistent and doesn't correlate with injury—consider it a potential red flag, particularly when accompanied by fatigue or weight loss.