Patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer may have hypofunction of the adrenal cortex either from tumour metastasis or other mechanisms. Since lung cancer patient may have to undergo stressful investigation and treatments, undetected hypofunction of the adrenal cortex may be hazardous. Knowledge of the size of the problem may help determine whether routine check is warranted.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histologically proven primary lung cancer
• Newly diagnosed
• No specific treatment given
• No active infection in the previous week
• No general anesthesia in the previous week

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known adrenal disease
• Receiving exogenous systemic corticosteroids
• Concomitant illness known to affect adrenal function. e.g. active TB

Patients with newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed primary lung cancer