The evaluation of adenocarcinoma of the bronchus begins with a history and physical examination.

The physical exam may be normal in those with early adenocarcinoma of the bronchus.

Physical findings in someone with adenocarcinoma of the bronchus may include:

• Clubbing of the nails
• Signs of chronic lung disease:
• Barrel-shaped chest
• Wheezing
• Decreased lung sounds:
• During examination of the lungs with a stethoscope
• Weight loss
• Rapid respiratory rate

Testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the bronchus.

Tests that may be used to evaluate adenocarcinoma of the bronchus include:

• Complete blood count
• Kidney profile
• Serum electrolytes
• Pulse oximetry
• Chest x-ray: usually the first test, and most common way to detect lung cancer
• Bronchoscopy: can obtain a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis
• Sputum cytology:
• Testing the cell from lung mucus for cancer
• Telomerase blood test:
• A blood test that may be abnormal if lung cancer is present
• CT scanning of the chest: a more sensitive method
• MRI scanning of the chest
• Bone scan
• Mediastinoscopy
• Thoracoscopy
• PET scanning the lungs