Lung with a tumor on it

Lung Cancer Diagnosis

After ruling out other conditions, your doctor may order imaging studies, blood tests, and biopsies to make a lung cancer diagnosis. Learn what to expect.
a doctor showing a patient her tablet
Lung Cancer Screening: Benefits and Risks
By Julia Knox
tuberculosis granuloma, one of many types of granulomas found in the lungs
Lung Granuloma: Overview and More
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
lung cancer
KRAS Positive Lung Cancer: Testing and Management
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Doctor delivering diagnosis to patient in exam room
Stage 3B Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
By Lynne Eldridge, MD
Male doctor examining patient in hospital gown
Thoracentesis: Uses, Procedure, Complications, Results
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Doctor with radiological chest x-ray film for medical diagnosis on patient's health on asthma, lung disease and bone cancer illness
What Is the Average Age for a Lung Cancer Diagnosis?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Older woman sitting on park bench coughing into elbow and holding a tissue
Early-Stage Lung Cancer: Overview and More
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
doctor pointing out a benign lung tumor on chest X-ray
Benign Lung Tumors: Types, Characteristics, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
doctor looking at a chest x-ray as a step in diagnosing lung cancer
How Lung Cancer Is Diagnosed
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Chest CT showing a primary lung cancer
Primary and Secondary Lung Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Doctor comforting patient
First Steps When Diagnosed With Lung Cancer
Fact checked by James Lacy
Doctor showing patient test results
Lung Cancer Stages: Definitions, Prognosis, & Treatment
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Chest X-ray
Chest X-Ray for the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Doctor pointing out a finding on a chest X-ray
Neuroendocrine Lung Tumors: Overview and More
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Liver cancer
How Lung Cancer Spreads to the Liver
Medically reviewed by Emmy Ludwig, MD
Man smoking a cigarette in a park and coughing, on a spring day
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lungs: Symptoms and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Doctor and patient
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy for Lung Cancer
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Doctor with endoscope
Lung Biopsy: Types, Results, and Risks
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Cigarette smoking can affect the heart.
What Percentage of Smokers Get Lung Cancer?
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
doctor talking with a patient about chest CT scan
Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Mediastinoscopy referral form
Mediastinoscopy: Uses, Side Effects, Procedure, Results
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Microscopic sample of one type of lung cancer (squamous cell carcinoma)
Understanding Your Lung Cancer Pathology Report
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
diagram showing the changes of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the lungs
An Overview of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
doctor dispensing a medication implying a treatment is available
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatments and Prognosis
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Female doctor showing patient digital tablet x-ray
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Radiograph showing metastatic cancer to the lungs
Metastatic Cancer to the Lungs: Symptoms and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Nurse examining a chest x-ray with a shadow on the lung
What Does It Mean to Have a Shadow on the Lung?
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
woman touching shoulder
Pancoast Tumors: Symptoms, Treatments, and Life Expectancy
Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD
Woman doctor discussing about problem in lung disease of Asian Elderly patient.
Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
diagram of the lungs with a tumor
Stage 0 Lung Cancer: Overview and More
By Lynne Eldridge, MD
A patient undergoing a CT scan.
CT Lung Cancer Screening: Uses, Risks, Procedure, Results
Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD
Doctor talking to senior man
Lung Cancer Recurrence: Overview and More
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Spine metastasis (cancer spread to thoracic spine)
Lung Cancer Metastases to Bone: Overview and More
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Doctor examines neck of female patient
When Lung Cancer Spreads to Lymph Nodes
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Pulmonary hamartoma
Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment for Hamartoma Tumors
Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
adrenal glands, a common site of lung cancer metastases
When Lung Cancer Spreads to the Adrenal Glands
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Common Causes of Lung Pain
Lung Pain: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Doctor
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
view of the lungs showing where an endobronchial ultrasound may be done
Endobronchial Ultrasound: Uses, Side Effects, Procedure, Results
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Scientist conducting the process of Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA by using a thermocycler to create samples
Genetic Testing for Lung Cancer Overview
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Mature Male Doctor Using A Digital Tablet For His Diagnosis.
Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD
Serious surgeon talking with senior patient lying on bed in hospital ward
Unresectable Cancer Reasons and Exceptions
Medically reviewed by Armeen Poor, MD
illustration of the lungs and bronchi
Bronchoscopy: Uses, Side Effects, Procedure, Results
Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD