The efficient workup of suspected lung cancer

The triage process of patients with suspected cancer of the lung is reviewed, paying particular attention to areas of inefficiency and delay. Most patients with suspected lung cancer are inoperable and can be triaged on presentation. The efficient workup involves confirmation of diagnosis and simultaneous determination of stage and operative status. The physician should search for common sites of metastatic spread, with pragmatic use of biopsies and scans. From the outset, the physician should also pay special attention to the patient's functional status, attitude toward possible surgery, and cardiopulmonary status, with the goal of quickly directing each patient to proper therapy.