Lung cancer evaluation is a comprehensive process to detect, diagnose, and stage lung tumors, enabling doctors to plan the most effective treatment. Early and accurate evaluation is essential to improve survival, monitor progression, and tailor therapy to the patient’s needs. The process typically involves imaging, tissue sampling, functional assessments, and a multidisciplinary approach involving pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons.

Diagnostic Imaging

• Chest X-ray as an initial screening tool
• CT scan for detailed visualization of lung nodules and tumors
• PET scan to detect metastasis and assess tumor activity
• MRI for evaluating brain involvement in advanced cases
• Ultrasound for guiding biopsy or detecting pleural effusions

Tissue Sampling & Biopsy

• Bronchoscopy to collect tissue from central airway tumors
• EBUS-TBNA for sampling lymph nodes and mediastinal masses
• CT-guided percutaneous biopsy for peripheral lung lesions
• Pleural fluid cytology in case of pleural effusion
• Molecular testing to identify specific cancer mutations for targeted therapy

Functional Assessment & Treatment Planning

• Pulmonary function tests to evaluate lung capacity and surgical suitability
• Blood tests to assess overall health and organ function
• Multidisciplinary review involving oncology, surgery, and radiology teams
• Staging workup to determine extent of disease and prognosis
• Personalized treatment planning including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy