Loading icon
Health Information Center

Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

Authors:
  • Debra Wood, RN
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, and medical and family history. A complete physical exam will be done. The lungs, throat, and chest areas will be thoroughly examined. Your doctor may suspect lung cancer based on your symptoms, but will look for other possible causes.

Suspicion of Lung Cancer

If you have symptoms, your doctor may conduct certain tests to identify abnormalities. These may include:

  • Blood tests
    • Routine blood tests will be done to how the tumor is effecting you or if you might have an infection.
    • Certain substances are released into the blood when a tumor develops. These markers may be elevated in the presence of cancer.
    • Genetic testing may also be done.
  • Sputum cytology —Mucus is coughed up from the lungs and examined under a microscope.
  • Imaging tests —To assess internal structures for the presence and location of tumors. Some tests use contrast material to highlight structures so images are more clear and detailed. Imaging tests may include:
  • Bronchoscopy —A thin, lighted tube with a tiny camera is attached is inserted through the respiratory tract and into the lungs for visual examination. Suspicious tissue will be removed with specialized tools or a saline wash, and examined under a microscope. For many people, this is the standard test for examining the bronchi and lungs.
  • Pulmonary function tests —A series of breathing tests that evaluate air movement and overall lung function.

References

  • How is lung cancer diagnosed? American Lung Association website. Available at:http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/learn-about-lung-cancer/how-is-lung-cancer-diagnosed. Updated November 3, 2016. Accessed August 30, 2017.
  • Non-small cell lung cancer. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114774/Non-small-cell-lung-cancer . Updated June 23, 2017. Accessed August 30, 2017.
  • Non-small cell lung cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/patient/non-small-cell-lung-treatment-pdq. Updated April 13, 2017. Accessed August 30, 2017.
  • Small cell lung cancer. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115654/Small-cell-lung-cancer . Updated June 23, 2017. Accessed August 30, 2017.
  • Small cell lung cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/hp/small-cell-lung-treatment-pdq. Updated January 20, 2017. Accessed August 30, 2017.
  • Tests for non-small cell lung cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-small-cell-lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html. Updated June 23, 2017. Accessed August 30, 2017.
  • Tests for small cell lung cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/small-cell-lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html. Updated May 16, 2016. Accessed August 30, 2017.

Contributors

  • Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
Last Updated:
2018-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.