| Evidence of lung cancer (LC) is often detected | | | | radioactive substance into the patient's body. This |
| during a routine examination or while the doctor is | | | | material can be tracked with a special camera |
| taking x-rays to assess another condition. At that | | | | that produces 3D images. The images display |
| point, the disease is merely a suspicion. It must be | | | | chemical activity taking place within the body. |
| diagnosed before a treatment path can be | | | | Areas with substantial activity suggest the |
| designed. | | | | presence of cancerous tumors. |
| There are several methods used to diagnose lung | | | | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) |
| cancer and determine whether it poses an | | | | This is a test that uses radio waves and a |
| immediate danger (i.e. whether it is malignant). In | | | | magnet connected to a computer to construct |
| this article, we'll provide a brief overview of the | | | | accurate images of the target site (in this case, |
| most common tests used by pulmonologists and | | | | the lungs). Doctors can use these images to |
| other doctors. | | | | distinguish between tissue that is healthy and |
| Lab Tests | | | | tissue that is diseased. |
| Blood and urine tests are ordered to check for | | | | An MRI produces images that are more accurate |
| the presence of tumor markers. These are | | | | than those produced by a CT scan. However, it is |
| compounds released by cancerous tissue that can | | | | generally more expensive and requires more time. |
| be found in blood and bodily fluids. The markers | | | | Bronchoscopy |
| can only be used to form a tentative diagnosis of | | | | During a bronchoscopy, the doctor will insert a |
| LC since they occasionally show up on test results | | | | bronchoscope - a thin, flexible tube - down the |
| when cancerous cells do not exist. | | | | patient's main airways. This may be done through |
| X-Rays Of The Chest | | | | the mouth or nose. A small camera is fitted on |
| Chest x-rays display the lungs and other | | | | the instrument to allow the doctor to inspect the |
| structures, and can show abnormal masses. They | | | | airways and surrounding area. The purpose of this |
| are useful in providing a quick and reasonably | | | | procedure is to retrieve a portion of an identified |
| accurate view of the patient's lungs. However, like | | | | tumor for further examination. |
| tumor markers in blood and urine, x-rays are | | | | Biopsy |
| fallible. They can display masses that are due to | | | | A biopsy is usually necessary to form a firm |
| factors other than tumors. | | | | diagnosis. This procedure is done to retrieve a |
| Ultrasound | | | | tissue sample using a needle, an endoscope, or |
| Ultrasonography uses sound waves that bounce | | | | surgery. When using a needle, the doctor will |
| among the patient's organs, veins, and tissues. | | | | insert it directly into the patient's chest. The |
| These sound waves produce an echo that is used | | | | extracted tissue sample is then sent to a |
| by a computer to construct an image of the | | | | pathologist for further testing. If the affected |
| chest and lungs. This image can display abnormal | | | | tissue cannot be reached with a needle, minor |
| masses that are likely to be tumors. | | | | surgery is performed to access the lungs through |
| Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan | | | | small chest incisions. |
| If chest x-rays, lab tests, and ultrasound produce | | | | Unless a physician is relatively certain that lung |
| a tentative diagnosis, the next test is a CT scan. | | | | cancer exists, testing rarely begins with a biopsy |
| This is usually done with a helical scanner that | | | | or bronchoscopy. Instead, a preliminary diagnosis |
| rotates around the body and generates a 3D | | | | is formed before more accurate - and expensive |
| image of the chest. While it is more accurate than | | | | - tests are ordered. There is an urgency to the |
| the preceding tests, it is rarely conclusive. | | | | testing, however, since the earlier a conclusive |
| Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan | | | | diagnosis can be made, the better the chances it |
| During a PET scan, a doctor will inject a | | | | can be treated successfully. |