The Big Picture. Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. But this wasn’t always the case. Prior to the widespread use of mechanical cigarette rollers, lung cancer was rare. Today, smoking causes nearly 9 out of 10 lung cancer deaths, while radon gas, pollution, and other things play a smaller role.
Swelling of lymph nodes (collection of immune system cells) such as those in the neck or above the collarbone Some lung cancers can cause syndromes, which are groups of specific symptoms. Cancers of the upper part of the lungs are sometimes called Pancoast tumors.
This mass will look like a white spot on your lungs, while the lung itself will appear black. However, an X-ray may not be able to detect small or early stage cancers. A computed tomography (CT) scan is often ordered if there is something abnormal on the chest X-ray.