[Diagnosis of lung cancer]

Lung cancer remains one of the most prognostically unfavourable malignancies and is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The most significant risk factor is active smoking, which accounts for over 85% of lung cancer deaths. Approximately 8 million people die annually from tobacco-related causes - the primary driver of lung cancer - exceeding the combined mortality from HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis. Although substantial advances have been made in recent years regarding treatment options for lung cancer, rapid diagnosis remains of paramount importance. The often late diagnosis, due to absent early symptoms and nonspecific clinical presentation, significantly worsens patient outcomes. This underscores the need for heightened diagnostic vigilance, particularly in high-risk populations, along with rapid and systematic diagnostic procedures. The patient's general clinical condition and ability to tolerate therapy form the basis of the initial diagnostic workup. Accurate staging is critical for treatment planning and prognostic assessment. The following overview summarizes the key diagnostic steps for early detection and effective therapy planning in lung cancer.