Lung cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when lung cells become abnormal and grow out of control. Smoking is the main cause of all types of lung cancer, and is responsible for 80% of all lung cancer deaths as well as a number of deaths from exposure to secondhand smoke.
Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines
Because symptoms of lung cancer often do not appear until the cancer is advanced, The American Cancer Society has lung cancer screening guidelines for people with a higher risk of getting lung cancer, such as smokers.
A test called a low-dose CAT scan or CT scan (LDCT) is typically used to screen for lung cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends people who are 55 to 74 years old, are in fairly good health, are current smokers or who have quit in the past 15 years, and have smoked a certain number of cigarettes per day should receive regular lung cancer screenings.
Imaging Tests for Lung Cancer
If lung cancer is suspected, imaging tests may be used to confirm a diagnosis, including:
- Chest X-ray
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Bone scan
Lab Tests for Lung Cancer
Lab tests used to diagnose lung cancer include:
- Blood tests
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood chemistry
- Lung function tests
- Tests for certain proteins on tumor cells
- Sputum cytology
- Tissue biopsy
- Thoracentesis
- Bronchoscopy masses
- Endobronchial ultrasound
- Endoscopic esophageal ultrasound
- Mediastinoscopy and mediastinotomy
- Thoracoscopy
- Molecular tests for gene changes
What Are Symptoms of Lung Cancer?
First Signs & Symptoms
Lung cancer may not have symptoms early on. When the first signs and symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Chronic or worsening cough
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
- Chest pain that may be worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
- Wheezing
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing problems
- Fatigue/tiredness
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that don’t go away or recur
Symptoms of Lung Cancer Spreading
If lung cancer spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body, symptoms may include:
- Swollen lymph nodes such as those in the neck or above the collarbone
- Bone pain, such as in the back or hips
- Nervous system effects from lung cancer that has metastasized to the brain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Balance problems
- Weakness
- Numbness of extremities
- Seizures
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) from cancer spread to the liver
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