Figure 1.

[Introduction, Section 2.3] Overview of initial evaluation, diagnosis, staging, and treatment processes. There is significant overlap between cognitive processes. Developing a clinical diagnosis and assessment of the probable stage begins during the initial evaluation. This clinical assessment is subsequently refined on the basis of biopsy specimen findings that are part of formal staging and diagnosis. Similarly, information regarding the patient’s functional status, comorbid conditions, and preferences may have an impact on treatment alternatives, and this in turn may have an impact on the type of diagnostic testing strategies chosen. CXR = chest radiograph.