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The initial evaluation of patients with suspected lung cancer is most often conducted by a pulmonologist to determine pulmonary function and reserve. They also establish a diagnosis, usually through biopsy. Common symptoms of lung cancer include cough, blood streaked sputum, chest pain, and/or recurring pneumonia or bronchitis.

Depending on the site of abnormality, a biopsy assists in diagnosing and staging lung cancer. A biopsy may be obtained via bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy or thoracoscopy exploration, prior to definitive treatment.

Like some other cancers, lung cancer can be difficult to diagnose early. Newer tests may provide earlier detection and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has a trial underway to help determine if screening individuals at high risk for lung cancer, before they have symptoms, can improve survival.

Improvements in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning have made it a valuable tool for both diagnosis and staging. PET scans combined with standard imaging such as Computed Tomography (CT) scans may improve the accuracy of staging, providing appropriate therapy specific to the stage of cancer.


Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System's subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor University Medical Center, or Baylor Health Care System. Photographs may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. ©2005 Baylor Health Care System. All rights reserved.