As with virtually any disease, the symptoms of lung cancer can overlap those of numerous other conditions. However, anybody can watch out for several common signs associated with this issue.
Coughing is a common behavior that we do spontaneously when anything irritates the airways. However, a new cough that persists for a few weeks in the absence of a cold should be checked out. That is especially true for those with a history of smoking and/or cancer in the immediate family. Such coughs can get worse over time, again not leading to any specific diagnosis. To obtain a definitive diagnosis requires a doctor.
For the patient who exhibits any symptoms of lung cancer or who has had an x-ray where something suspicious has shown up, there a several techniques available in order to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Although an x-ray will show worrying shadows, other tests for lung cancer will be required to determine whether or not any form of carcinoma exists.