Potential Indicators of Lung Cancer: Recognizing Early Signs is Key

13. Swelling in the Face or Neck

If the veins in your face or neck appear swollen or puffy, it could signal something more serious than poor circulation or seasonal allergies. In some cases, a tumor in the upper right lung can press on the superior vena cava—a major vein that carries blood from the upper body to the heart. This pressure restricts blood flow, causing visible swelling in the face, neck, and even upper chest or arms. Known as superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS), it’s a rare but urgent symptom of lung cancer that often gets misread as something benign. If this swelling is persistent and accompanied by shortness of breath or a persistent cough, medical evaluation should be immediate.

14. Shoulder Pain Radiating Down the Arm

Unexplained shoulder pain—especially when it radiates down into the arm or feels like a constant ache—can be a red flag. One specific form of lung cancer, called a Pancoast tumor, grows at the top of the lung and can invade nearby nerves, causing pain that starts in the shoulder and moves down the arm, sometimes with tingling or weakness. Because this pain mimics orthopedic issues like rotator cuff injuries or pinched nerves, it's often misdiagnosed or dismissed. If shoulder discomfort persists despite treatment or has no clear cause, it’s essential to rule out underlying causes like lung cancer through imaging and evaluation.