Lung cancer is a common neoplasm. Diagnosis of lung cancer at an early
stage is associated with the best prognosis. Therefore, early recognition of symptoms
through increased awareness, systematic investigations and rapid diagnosis of lung
cancer is of importance. Patients investigated for lung cancer would require a chest
radiograph, computed tomography and Positron Emission Tomography. Imaging can
provide a non-invasive approach to staging lung cancer. However, in a number of
patients, more invasive methods may be required for accurate staging. Endobronchial
ultrasound (EBUS) and Endoscopic ultrasound are techniques, which in conjunction
with mediastinoscopy, form important techniques for mediastinal lymph node staging
as well as sampling for histological diagnosis. Patients with more peripheral lesions
may need biopsy using CT guidance or newer approaches such as radial EBUS or
navigational bronchoscopy. Many patients with lung cancer would also require
complex physiological fitness assessment, including lung function and exercise testing.
A proportion of patients with lung cancer may develop pleural effusion, which would
require careful assessment based on the use of systematic diagnostic protocols and
understanding of the best interventional and therapeutic strategies. Therefore,
investigations and management of patients with lung cancer have become complex and
should be undertaken through the multidisciplinary team approach.
Keywords: Lung Cancer, Computed Tomography, Positron Emission
Tomography, Endobronchial Ultrasound, Navigational Bronchoscopy, Lung
Function testing, Pleural effusion, Thoracocopy.
