Lung Cancer: Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pulmonology
• Radiology

Background:

• Lung cancer often presents at advanced stages without screening, leading to poor prognoses.
• Common symptoms include cough and dyspnea; hemoptysis is more specific, and digital clubbing is highly predictive.
• Symptoms arise from local tumor, spread, metastases, or paraneoplastic syndromes, necessitating clinical suspicion in at-risk patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the diagnostic and management pathway for suspected lung cancer.
• To emphasize the importance of early detection and multidisciplinary care.

Main Methods:

• Initial diagnostic imaging includes chest X-ray, followed by CT scan with contrast if suspicion persists.
• Diagnostic evaluation involves simultaneous tissue diagnosis, staging, and functional capacity assessment, prioritizing minimally invasive biopsy techniques.

Main Results:

• Management strategies are tailored to tumor histology, molecular testing, staging, and patient performance status.
• Multidisciplinary team approach is essential, involving pulmonology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and thoracic surgery.

Conclusions:

• Prompt and accurate diagnosis through appropriate imaging and biopsy is critical for effective lung cancer management.
• Continued involvement of the family physician ensures patient priorities are met throughout the care continuum, including end-of-life planning.