If you have any of these do not assume it is due to lung cancer. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
A cough that doesn't go away and worsens over time
Constant chest pain
Coughing up blood
Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
Repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis
Swelling of the neck and face
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Fatigue
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will also ask about:
Smoking history
Exposure to environmental and occupational substances
Family history of cancer
Tests may include:
Chest x-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones
Sputum cytology—a test that examines of a sample of mucus from the lungs
Spiral CT—a special type of x-ray of the lungs
Biopsy —removal of a sample of lung tissue to be tested for cancer cells. Methods include:
Bronchoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted into the mouth or nose and through the windpipe to look into the breathing passages; cells or tissue samples are collected
Needle aspiration —a needle inserted through the chest into the tumor to remove a sample of tissue
Thoracentesis —use of a needle to remove a sample of the fluid around the lungs to check for cancer cells
Thoracotomy —surgery to open the chest and examine lung tissue
Anon, please talk to your doctor for more information.
Best,
Susan
Comment Reply
Hello Anon
Thank you for writing.
If you have any of these do not assume it is due to lung cancer. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
A cough that doesn't go away and worsens over time
Constant chest pain
Coughing up blood
Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
Repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis
Swelling of the neck and face
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Fatigue
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will also ask about:
Smoking history
Exposure to environmental and occupational substances
Family history of cancer
Tests may include:
Chest x-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones
Sputum cytology—a test that examines of a sample of mucus from the lungs
Spiral CT—a special type of x-ray of the lungs
Biopsy —removal of a sample of lung tissue to be tested for cancer cells. Methods include:
Bronchoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted into the mouth or nose and through the windpipe to look into the breathing passages; cells or tissue samples are collected
Needle aspiration —a needle inserted through the chest into the tumor to remove a sample of tissue
Thoracentesis —use of a needle to remove a sample of the fluid around the lungs to check for cancer cells
Thoracotomy —surgery to open the chest and examine lung tissue
Anon, please talk to your doctor for more information.
September 22, 2017 - 4:07amBest,
Susan
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