What kind of doctor would someone see if they are concerned about lung cancer from smoking?

Teams of doctors.: A primary care doctor can help make the initial diagnosis based on clinical symptoms and refer to a specialist at that point. A medical oncologist can also diagnose lung cancer based on imaging, and biomarker studies. A thoracic surgeon or surgical oncologist can diagnose lung cancer in doing a lung biopsy or lung resection depending on the type and size of the tumor(s).

Lung cancer: You should always check with your primary care physician. He/she will likely check an x-ray. If normal, then no further work up is done. If you have real concerns, then you could pay out of pocket for a ct scan of the chest. This will more definitively rule out lung masses. Insurances do not like paying for this test unless there is a definite reason for it. Coming soon will be screening ct scan.

PCP: The best place to start is with your primary care physician, who would likely order a simple chest x-ray. If a "spot" were seen, this could lead to a ct scan +/- ct guided needle biopsy. Depending on your symptoms, you may be referred to a lung specialist (pulmonologist) who may perform a bronchoscopy.

PCP: Start with your primary care physician (pcp) he or she may refer you to a pulmonologist. There is new data that suggests the effectiveness of low dose ct screening in patients who are high risk for lung cancer.