What is the definitive method to confirm lung cancer?

The definitive method to confirm lung cancer is through a biopsy. A biopsy involves the removal of tissue samples from the lung for examination under a microscope. This procedure allows pathologists to not only confirm the presence of cancer cells but also determine the specific type of lung cancer. In essence, the definitive diagnosis hinges on histological evaluation, which is only possible by obtaining direct tissue samples.

Other imaging techniques, such as CT scans and chest X-rays, can suggest the presence of lung cancer by identifying suspicious masses or lesions; however, these methods cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. They are valuable tools for screening and further evaluation but are not conclusive on their own. Bronchoscopy, while it can directly visualize the airways and obtain samples, is still a method that often facilitates biopsy collection, making the biopsy itself the gold standard for definitive diagnosis.