CONDITION 07
Lung cancer checks
What a lung assessment involves when there is a concern.
Emergency warning.
If you have severe breathlessness, chest pain that does not ease, blue lips, confusion or are coughing up a lot of blood, call
108
or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Overview
A lung cancer check is an assessment for people with symptoms or scan findings that need a closer look. Most chest symptoms are not caused by cancer, but a careful assessment lets any concern be identified early and discussed openly.
Symptoms
- A cough that is new or changes and does not settle
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained weight loss
- Breathlessness or chest pain that persists
- An abnormal finding on a chest X-ray or scan
Assessment
- A discussion of symptoms and risk factors
- Chest imaging, such as X-ray or CT scan
- Further tests, which may include taking a small sample, if a scan shows something that needs investigation
Treatment Options
- If a diagnosis is made, treatment options are discussed with you in detail
- Care is usually planned with a team of specialists
- Your questions and preferences are part of the decision
When to Seek Care
- Coughing up blood
- A cough lasting more than three weeks
- Unexplained weight loss with chest symptoms
- A scan or X-ray finding you would like explained
This page is for general education and does not replace advice from your own doctor. See the disclaimer .
Concerned about lung cancer checks?
Request a visit and bring your questions. This form is not for emergencies.