Lung: Key Points

More than 90% of patients are symptomatic at the time of diagnosis.

Chest x-ray findings are abnormal in the vast majority of symptomatic patients. However, a normal chest x-ray does not exclude a diagnosis of lung cancer.

In most cases it is appropriate for a GP to request a chest x-ray as an initial investigation, with referral to a Chest Physician if the chest x-ray is suggestive/suspicious of lung cancer.

In a limited number of circumstances, urgent referral to a Chest Physician is appropriate without requesting a chest x-ray.

Sputum cytology is rarely indicated prior to referral for a specialist opinion.