LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSTIC

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Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Lung cancer suspected should pass the thorough physical examination. The physician may ask the patient to provide a sample of sputum (matter from ther throat and lungs, which is spit out through the mouth). The sputum sample needs to test to see if it contains bacteria, other infection organisms, or cancer cells.

If sputum analysis does not provide a definite diagnosis, additional test are performed. There are diagnostic test include following :

Chest Radiograph (x-ray) > > is used to detect enlarged lymph nodes in the chest or a localized mass in the lungs.

Computed Tomography (CT or “CAT” scan) is a computer assisted technique that produces cross sectional images of the body.

Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI scan) is a diagnostic method in which hydrogen ions within the body (and/or specific body parts) are exited by exposure to a magnetic field. The resulting signals are processed by a computer to create an image of the chest to define the location and extent of lung involvement.

Bronchoscopy is a visual examination of the windpipe and lung branches performed by a pulmonologist (respiratory disease specialist) using a flexible scope. Bronchoscopy may involve brushings (using a small, brush like device to gather cells from the tissue lining the respiratory system).

Needle Biopsy, with CT guidance, may be performed on suspicious areas in the lung or pleura. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) uses a slim, hollow needle that attached to a syringe. The needle is inserted into the suspicious mass and it is pushed back and forth to free some cells, which are aspirated (drawn up) into the syringe and are smeared on a glass slide for analysis. Large needle, or core biopsy, uses a large bore neddle to obtain a tissue sample for analysis.

Bone Scan may also be performed to rule out suspicious of metastasis to the bones. Metastasis is the process where in cancerous cells break away from the original tumor, travel, and grow within other body parts.