Has anyone here been diagnosed stage 1a without a lung biopsy?

Hi, welcome to our community! I had a biopsy and other diagnostic testing before I was staged. I was not staged until after my surgery (Stage 3b). May I suggest seeking a second opinion at a different cancer center if you don't feel comfortable with your medical team. Trust and being part of the discussion is important in my opinion. When were you diagnosed and did you have surgery? Please feel free to share, we are here to support each other. Warmly, Alisa, Lung Cancer Team Patient Leader

Hi . Have you had any other tests done? This article discusses the various ways/aspects of diagnosing lung cancer: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lung-cancer-non-small-cell/diagnosis#:~:text=If%20a%20biopsy%20is%20not,of%20the%20tumor%22%20below). In addition, this article discusses staging: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging-nsclc.html. Let me echo in saying if you have questions and doubts you should seek a second opinion - if for nothing else than to put yourself at ease. Please know that this community is here for you and feel free, if you like, to let us know how things are going. Best, Richard (LungCancer.net Team)

Trust is an important factor, if you feel in your gut that this team isn't it...trust it. We want to think the doctors would follow a specific protocol, in this case, a biopsy, and perhaps kindly ask if there is a reason why they feel this shouldn't be the next step. Staying engaged and asking questions shows the doctor you understand the seriousness and are indeed advocating for your care. Wishing you the very best!