Lung Cancer Haemoptysis — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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EasyRespiratoryLung Cancer HaemoptysisRACP Adult Medicine

A 55-year-old smoker presents with haemoptysis (streaky blood in sputum) for 2 weeks. He has a 40 pack-year history and weight loss. CXR shows a right hilar mass with right upper lobe collapse. What is the most likely cause?

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Correct answer: B — Lung cancer

Haemoptysis with hilar mass and lobar collapse in a heavy smoker is lung cancer until proven otherwise. Urgent CT chest and bronchoscopy are required. Lung cancer is the most important diagnosis to exclude in any adult smoker with haemoptysis. Even if CXR is normal, CT and bronchoscopy are recommended for smokers >40 with unexplained haemoptysis.

Reference: Cancer Council Australia – 2024 – Lung Cancer; eTG Respiratory 2024