Abstract              Background: Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer related death worldwide. Early diagnosis is critical for initiation of specific therapy. Aim and Objective: To study different radiological presentation in patients of lung cancer. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary care centre between December 2010 to august 2012. Total 60 patients presenting with clinical and radiological features suggestive of lung malignancy were studied. Chest X ray and CT scan of thorax with screening for adrenal gland was done in all patients. Ultrasound of abdomen was done in all patients to screen for metastasis. CT scan of brain was done in patients as per indication. Results: Most common presentation on chest x ray was mass (61.66%) followed by pleural effusion (18.33%). 4 patient had both mass and effusion on chest x ray. 10 patients with non resolving pneumonia finally diagnosed to have lung malignancy. Peripheral tumours were more common compared to central. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma (44% each) were more common in central tumours while adenocarcinoma (51.42 %) was more common in peripheral tumours. Right side and upper lobe were more common site of involvement. Conclusion: Lung cancer is suspected on the basis of radiological presentation as clinical symptoms are non specific. However lung cancer is usually in its advanced stage at its presentation. Hence effective screening tool is needed to diagnose lung cancer at a early stage.

Key Words: Lung cancer, radiological presentation, CT scan, metastasis.