Despite technologic advances, the presenting symptoms of lung cancer (LC) have not changed over time, according to a new study. In order to update information on the modern presentation of LC, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic Health System and Cleveland Clinic Foundation conducted a retrospective chart review of 228 patients who presented with lung cancer within the two years prior to the study. Common symptoms on presentation included cough, dyspnea, weight loss, and chest pain. Of the total population, 14.6 percent (42) of patients were asymptomatic and 48 percent (144) had COPD on presentation. Asymptomatic patients were found more likely to have had previous cancer, but less likely to have COPD, when compared with symptomatic patients. Patients without COPD had a lower incidence of cough and dyspnea, than did patients with COPD. Researchers conclude that the presenting features of LC have not changed with the advances in imaging technology.



CHEST 2006 abstract briefs

Contact: Jennifer Stawarz
American College of Chest Physicians