[Diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in lung cancer]

Diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in lung cancer. Clinical signs that must lead a clinician to suspect lung cancer are non-specific, but are often linked to the appearance or modification of a respiratory or general symptom. When lung cancer is suspected, the following informations must be obtained through diagnostic assessment: histological proof of cancer, tumoral extension and comorbidities. Therapeutic strategy depends on the distinction between small-cell and non-smallcell lung cancer, and on tumoral extension. In the case of a localized carcinoma, the determinant item for therapeutic decision is operability. In advanced non-small-cell carcinoma, distinction between squamous and non-squamous lung cancer, and the presence of molecular anomalies guide the therapy. In spite of therapeutic advances (targeted therapies, immunotherapy), the treatment of the majority of patients relies on chemotherapy.