Lung cancer is frequently associated with a chronic cough or coughing up blood, but its early signs are often far more subtle.
In an interaction with HT Lifestyle, pulmonologist Dr Harish Kumar Verma revealed that many lesser-known symptoms closely mimic everyday physical strain, ageing, or routine lifestyle complaints, leading people to dismiss them until the disease progresses.
Recognising these quiet warning signs is critical for early detection and starting treatment in time. The ones that Dr Verma shared are presented as follows.
While shoulder discomfort is usually chalked up to poor posture, desk work, or a mild workout injury, it can sometimes point to a specific type of lung cancer known as a Pancoast tumour.
“Located at the top of the lungs, these tumours can press on nearby nerves, causing severe, radiating pain down the shoulder, upper back, and inner arm rather than traditional respiratory symptoms,” stated Dr Verma.
It is easy to blame feeling winded after climbing stairs on lack of exercise, weight gain, or getting older. However, persistent or gradual shortness of breath during routine activities can indicate a tumour obstructing an airway or fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion).
“If stamina decreases without a clear change in activity levels, it warrants medical attention,” cautioned the pulmonologist.
Frequently catching bronchitis, pneumonia, or long-lasting chest colds is often passed off as a weak immune system or seasonal vulnerability. In reality, a tumour blocking a bronchial tube can trap secretions and create a recurring site for infection, preventing full recovery despite treatment, noted Dr Verma.
In the words of the pulmonologist, “Changes in the fingertips—where the ends soften, enlarge, or curve downward—are easily misattributed to poor circulation, ageing, or arthritis. Finger clubbing occurs when chronic low blood oxygen levels or tumour-secreted hormones alter tissue growth, serving as a distinct physical cue.”
Exhaustion that does not improve with sleep is routinely attributed to high stress, busy schedules, or burnout. However, cancer cells consume significant energy and alter metabolic processes, causing profound fatigue and sudden weight loss without changes in diet or routine, pointed out Dr Verma.
“Listening to subtle, persistent body changes—rather than writing them off as routine lifestyle quirks—can prompt timely screening and significantly improve outcomes,” he added.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Dr Harish Kumar Verma is the Director of Pulmonology at ShardaCare-HealthCity. He has over 18 years of clinical experience and specialises in advanced respiratory care, sleep medicine, interventional pulmonology, and critical care procedures.
Debapriya Bhattacharya is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times. He started his career in 2022, working in newsrooms in beats like education, US news, trending stories, and entertainment. In his new role in the lifestyle desk, he seeks to deliver a balanced blend of research-driven reporting and creative storytelling from health and recipes to art and culture. Science, philosophy, food and pop culture are what pump his veins and help bring heart to his stories. Debapriya tries to see out subjects that will allow him and readers to explore new frontiers and improve the quality of life for all. The explorations can be both external and internal, as thoughts seek to be as chaotic as the greater universe. As a citizen of the world, Debapriya has been fascinated by the lives of people across the globe throughout time. His curiosity leads him to explore new linguistic and cultural landscapes to broaden his horizons and deepen his understanding of global narratives. Beyond the newsroom, Debapriya loves to participate in debate and theatre, spaces that he considers to be holy grounds for nuance and self-expression. A graduate from Ashutosh College, University of Calcutta, Debapriya completed his Master's degree from the same university in 2022. An ambiverted bibliophile, he loves his solitude as much as he adores stimulating conversations. And despite his reverence for tech, libraries continue to be his favourite place for research.Read More
