Symptoms of lung cancer can be hard, especially for a smoker, to notice, because cigarettes can cause some of the symptoms.
- Cough that does not go away
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Hoarseness
- Chest pain, especially pain that is worse when deep breathing
- Fever for no known reason
- Recurring bronchitis and/or pneumonia
- Wheezing
- Bloody or rusty colored phlegm (spit)
The diagnosis of patients with lung cancer can require the combined expertise of physicians from several medical specialties: Lung specialist, chest surgeons, pathologists, and radiologists. A lung specialist will generally begin the diagnostic process.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include:
Unfortunately, lung cancer does not have a good early detection or screening tool, as some other cancers do: PSA for prostate cancer, pap test for cervical cancer, etc. The National Cancer Institute has a study of current and former heavy smokers. The study is looking at whether chest x-ray or CT scan will detect lung cancer early enough to save lives.
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