In some rare cases signs can show up in your eyelids. At the moment there is no national screening programme for lung cancer in the UK, so it is very important to be aware of any signs that crop up. Cancer Research UK says finding lung cancer early can mean that it’s easier to treat, so if you notice any changes get them checked out by your GP as soon as possible.
Cancer Research explains a very rare type of lung cancer growing right at the top of the lung is called a pancoast tumour.
It says these tumours cause very specific symptoms, with the most common symptom being severe shoulder pain, or pain that travels down the arm.
The charity also states pancoast tumours can also cause a collection of symptoms called Horner’s syndrome, which include some signs around your eyes.
For example, a drooping or weakness of one eyelid. Other signs include a small pupil in the same eye and loss of sweating on one side of the face.
“The symptoms of Horner’s syndrome are caused by the tumour pressing on or damaging a nerve that runs up from the neck to that side of the face,” says the charity.
The NHS says there are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages, though symptoms of lung cancer develop as the condition progresses.
The health body has outlined some less common symptoms of lung cancer, which some people may not be aware of.
These actually include changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger. This is known as finger clubbing. Some people may also notice swelling of their face or neck, or persistent chest or shoulder pain.