Sputum cytology should not be used for the investigation of lung cancer because it has a low sensitivity and its use may delay the diagnosis, according to a new guide for GPs.
Prompt referral for chest x-ray and then referral to a multidisciplinary team are the key recommendations in a new quick reference guide (link) being developed for GPs by Cancer Australia.
The guidelines have been produced in an attempt to reduce the high mortality rates associated with late diagnosis of lung cancer, which is the most common cause of cancer death in Australia.
A draft version of the guidelines, being circulated for consultation, notes that early diagnosis of lung cancer is hindered by the non-specific...
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