Is there an effective way to determine if someone has lung cancer?

Imaging and biopsy..: The diagnosis of lung cancer is most often made by taking a detailed history fromt he patient followed by a physical examination followed by imaging studies (ct of chest) followed by some type of cell or tissue biopsy. The cells / tissues that are biopsied are then studied in a laboratory to determine if a malignancy is present.

Biopsy: X-rays and ct scans may suggest, but ultimately histologically, microscopic confirmation is needed.