This common cancer causes a wide array of symptoms, including cough (sometimes with bloody sputum) and breathlessness. In addition to chest x-rays and lung scans, sputum investigations, bronchoscopies or lung biopsies may be required for diagnosis.
A multi-disciplinary approach is necessary, involving an oncologist, radiotherapist, cardiothoracic surgeon, pulmonologist, and if necessary, palliative medicine physician. Symptomatic relief, surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be offered.