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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
lung cancer
Answered by
CO
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish Health, Aug 12, 2008 05:07PM
, Aug 12, 2008 05:07PM
Most of the time there are no symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer. A newly developed, persistent cough is one of the first symptoms but this may not occur until the cancer is readily visible on chest x-ray and of a significant size, greater than 1 inch in diameter. Such a cough is more ominous, if accompanied by blood in the sputum. Often, there are no symptoms until the cancer has spread to another part of the body, such as to the brain or bones.
If you have any reason to suspect lung cancer, you should see your doctor and/or consult with a lung specialist to have diagnostic procedures including a chest x-ray and/or a CT scan of the lungs, sputum cytology if cough is accompanied by phlegm and bronchoscopy. Auto-fluorescence bronchoscopy is especially sensitive for pre-malignant lesions.
Good luck.
If you have any reason to suspect lung cancer, you should see your doctor and/or consult with a lung specialist to have diagnostic procedures including a chest x-ray and/or a CT scan of the lungs, sputum cytology if cough is accompanied by phlegm and bronchoscopy. Auto-fluorescence bronchoscopy is especially sensitive for pre-malignant lesions.
Good luck.
