The short answer
A cough that lasts for weeks, or hoarseness that does not go away, can be a sign of lung, throat, or voice-box cancer — though most coughs are not cancer. A cough lasting more than a few weeks should be checked.
A cough that lasts more than a few weeks can be a warning sign worth checking.
A lasting cough can be a sign of lung cancer; ongoing hoarseness can signal throat or voice-box cancer.
Coughing up blood should always be checked promptly.
Most coughs are caused by infections, allergies, or other non-cancer conditions.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Almost everyone gets a cough now and then, and most coughs clear up on their own. But a cough that lasts for weeks, or hoarseness that will not go away, can occasionally be a warning sign — so a lasting cough is worth checking.
What it can signal
A persistent cough can be a sign of lung cancer. Ongoing hoarseness or a change in the voice can be a sign of cancer of the throat or voice box. Coughing up blood should always be checked promptly.
A cough lasting more than three weeks — or any coughing up of blood — should be checked.
Most coughs are not cancer
Most coughs come from colds, chest infections, allergies, asthma, acid reflux, or smoking. That is why a doctor's evaluation is needed to sort out the cause of a cough that lingers.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for a cough that lasts more than about three weeks, gets worse, changes your voice, or comes with coughing up blood, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸When is a cough a concern?
A cough that lasts more than about three weeks, gets worse, or comes with coughing up blood should be checked. So should hoarseness that does not go away.
▸Which cancers cause a lasting cough?
A persistent cough can be a sign of lung cancer. Ongoing hoarseness or a changed voice can be a sign of cancer of the throat or voice box (larynx).
▸What about coughing up blood?
Coughing up blood should always be checked promptly. It has causes other than cancer, but it needs prompt evaluation.
▸Are most coughs cancer?
No. Most coughs are caused by colds, infections, allergies, asthma, acid reflux, or smoking. A doctor can help find the cause of a lasting cough.
Questions to ask your doctor
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