A 55-year-old smoker has had one episode of coughing up blood. Examination is normal. What does NICE NG12 advise?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Referral on the suspected cancer pathway, to be seen within 2 weeks
- Step 1: Unexplained haemoptysis at age 40 or over is a red flag.
- Step 2: NICE NG12 advises a suspected cancer pathway referral for lung cancer, with an appointment within 2 weeks.
Answer
Referral on the suspected cancer pathway, to be seen within 2 weeks.
Why not the others: Reassurance that a single episode is unlikely to be significant and a routine review: Haemoptysis cannot be dismissed. Oral antibiotics and a review in six months, with a chest X-ray only if it recurs: Antibiotics without specialist assessment may miss cancer. Pulmonary function tests alone, without a chest X-ray, at the next routine visit: Spirometry does not investigate haemoptysis and delays referral.
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