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Diseases & Conditions / Lung Cancer. Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. It’s caused by harmful cells in your lungs growing unchecked. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and targeted drugs. Screening is recommended if you’re at high risk.
Lung cancer diagnosis often starts with an imaging test to look at the lungs. If you have symptoms that worry you, a healthcare professional might start with an X-ray. If you smoke or used to smoke, you might have an imaging test to look for signs of lung cancer before you develop symptoms.
Symptoms. Lung cancer typically doesn't cause symptoms early on. Symptoms of lung cancer usually happen when the disease is advanced. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer that happen in and around the lungs may include: A new cough that doesn't go away. Chest pain. Coughing up blood, even a small amount. Hoarseness. Shortness of breath. Wheezing.
Some lung cancers can be found by screening, but most lung cancers are found because they are causing problems. The actual diagnosis of lung cancer is made by looking at a sample of lung cells in the lab. If you have possible signs or symptoms of lung cancer, see your doctor.
Most patients with lung cancer present for diagnostic evaluation because of suspicious symptoms or an incidental finding on chest imaging. The goal of the initial evaluation is to obtain sufficient clinical and radiologic information to guide diagnostic tissue biopsy, staging, and treatment.
Most commonly, doctors suspect somebody might have lung cancer when they see something on an imaging test such as a CT scan that looks like it could be a tumor. Lung cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in the early stages. Sometimes patients don't have any symptoms at all.
Early Signs. Diagnosis. Accuracy. Differential Diagnosis. Frequently Asked Questions. Getting an early and accurate lung cancer diagnosis is important, so you can start treatment as soon as possible and see better outcomes. Unfortunately, most lung cancers aren’t diagnosed until they have advanced and spread throughout the body.