Lung Cancer: From Diagnosis to Treatment - Hardcoverby Jute Cassie (Editor) Lung cancer is a malignant lung tumor that causes uncontrolled cell growth in lung tissues. There are two most common types of lung cancer, namely, small cell lung cancer and non small cell lung cancer. Majority of the lung cancer cases are caused by long term tobacco smoking. The symptoms and signs of lung cancer include chest pain, headache, a new cough that won't go away, shortness of breath, bone pain, and hoarseness.