I have been smoking regularly for 40 year, I want to get some test done to check my health and the early risk of cancer (if any). What tests should I go for?
Ask Free Question
Hi lybrate-user, I appreciate you seeking guidance. Well, what are your present complaints? you can connect with a pulmonologist who can examine your chest clinically, and recommend a lung function test and chest x-ray (pa view) for you should it require. Subject to your doc's recommendation, a low dose ct scan (chest) can be a good screening test for lung cancer. However, it is in your best interest that you restrict and quit smoking. Hope this helps. Do take care and all the very best. Sincerely,
Ask Free Question
Smoking exposes you too various types of cancer mainly being lung cancer and cancer of your aerodigestive tract. This means your lung, mouth, wind pipe, food pipe and stomach are at risk. The maximum risk is with the first two. There is also the risk of cardiac problems. I would advise you to ideally undergo a comprehensive health check for cardiac status (stress test), lung function (pft) and others. For cancer though there are no reliable tests to detect cancers early, an oral exam by the surgeon at the health check up, an endoscopy if persistent ulcer complaints and a low dose ct scan of the chest are advised in chronic smokers. (though as I mentioned earlier, none are foolproof.)
Take help from the best doctors
Ask a free question
Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors