A 55-year-old man with COPD and a 40 pack-year smoking history reports a new persistent cough and unintentional weight loss of 5 kg over 3 months. He ...

Question

A 55-year-old man with COPD and a 40 pack-year smoking history reports a new persistent cough and unintentional weight loss of 5 kg over 3 months. He has no haemoptysis. What is the most appropriate action in primary care?

Accepted Answer

Order an urgent chest X-ray within 2 weeks to investigate for lung cancer

Answer

Treat as a simple chest infection with antibiotics and review in 6 months

Answer

Arrange routine chest X-ray within 6 months

Answer

Reassure him and offer smoking cessation only

Answer

Refer directly for lung transplantation assessment

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Suspected lung cancer

A 55-year-old man with COPD and a 40 pack-year smoking history reports a new persistent cough and unintentional weight loss of 5 kg over 3 months. He has no haemoptysis. What is the most appropriate action in primary care?