Lung Cancer Biomarkers and Screening

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

* Screening Cohort

  * At high- or low-risk for lung cancer
  * Smoking history ≥ 20 pack years\*

    * With or without workplace exposure to asbestos
* NOTE: \* Participants with \< 20 pack years of smoking are eligible if 50 years of age or older
* Rule-Out Lung cancer group

  * Referred for evaluation of suspicious nodules with 1 of the following diagnoses:

    * Lung cancer
    * Nonmalignant nodules (control group)

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

* Not pregnant
* No prior malignancy except nonmelanoma skin cancer

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

* Not specified