Lung cancer and mesothelioma

Patients are usually referred to the lung cancer service because of new symptoms such as cough, chest pain or discomfort or coughing up blood.

You can be referred either via your GP, from a different speciality or following an admission to hospital.

When you attend the clinic, you will most likely already have had a chest x-ray and a CT scan.

If your CT scan reveals abnormalities, an appointment will be made for you to be seen quickly in the clinic, where further tests will be done.

If your CT scan does not show cancer you may be contacted either by letter or telephone to be informed of this.

What will happen in the clinic?

A full medical history will be taken.
You may have some breathing tests.
The results of your CT scan will be explained to you, along with any plans for further investigations. This may include biopsy tests and additional scans.
You are welcome to bring a relative or friend along with you to this appointment

Many people who have an abnormal chest x-ray turn out not to have lung cancer.

What happens if I have lung cancer?

Lung cancer can be cured if found in the early stages, so it is extremely important to seek the advice of your GP quickly if you are concerned.

If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, a team of specialists (multi-disciplinary team) will review your case in order to provide you with the best options for treatment. Your treatment options will then be discussed with you, and the team will support you in making a decision about what treatment is right for you. Following your decision, a referral will be made to the appropriate treating specialist.

You will also be seen by one of our specialist nurses, who will provide you with contact details for our team, and offer support and advice through all the stages of your cancer care and treatment.

Our clinic is jointly run with doctors and specialist nurses and we work closely with all members of the lung cancer team across Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust.