About a month ago, I coughed some phlegm up & it was bloody. I don't have a cough - it was just in the morning. I quit smoking 15 years ago, but did smoke for 17 - I feel great - eat great - exercise - I do have some pain in my neck & upper shoulder/back area - but think arthritus may be setting in - I did have a lung xray 4 yrs. ago & it showed some arthritis but no cancer. Just tell me this was a 1 time thing - has never happened since. My mom did die of lung cancer so of course I'm scared.

Coughing up blood could be a possible sign of lung cancer, or it may not be. Please go see your doctor, I hope it is nothing serious.

A month ago!!?? and you have not been to the doctor yet?

I would go to the doctor

I figured since it only happened the 1 time it's no big deal - if it would happen again - I'd call the dr. I've never had to cough since that 1 time.

Won't it be great when this desease is conquered? I think that cancer does almost as much damage scaring people as it does physically. So many people think they have it when, in fact, they dont.

I have coughed up small amounts of blood with phlem when I have a bad case of the flu. So, if it ocurred only once, i would not be too worried about it. Nonetheless, it is worth going back to the DR for a quick check. The great thing about the x-ray is that you find out immediately.

You know that saying, "the devil you know..."

It happened to me but just once. I could be that you brushed hard which caused the gums to bleed which is what I'm certain happened to me. However, if you want peace of mine get a CT Lung Scan (6 times more powerful than an XRAY). Your Insurance may not cover it. Last time I checked it was about $600.