Respiratory: lung cancer

Question 1

Which symptoms should trigger an urgent within 2 weeks CXR for suspected lung cancer?

Answer 1

People aged 40 years and over with two or more of the following unexplained symptoms
- or (>=40) if they have ever smoked/been exposed to asbestos and have one or more of the following unexplained symptoms:
* Cough.
* Shortness of breath.
* Chest pain.
* Fatigue.
* Weight loss.
* Appetite loss.

Consider CXR in any adult with:
* Chest signs consistent with lung cancer or pleural disease,
* Finger clubbing
* Lymphadenopathy (supraclavicular or persistent cervical)
* Thrombocytosis,

Question 2

What would trigger a 2ww referral for lung cancer?

Answer 2

• Chest X-ray suggests mesothelioma
• Chest X-ray suggests lung cancer
• Haemoptysis (unexplained), age 40 years and over