Lung Cancer Medical Tests & Diagnosis

Conditions & Diseases: Cancers

Lung Cancer Medical Tests & Diagnosis

Medical Tests and Diagnosis

In order to establish a lung cancer diagnosis, the doctor follows a certain number of steps.

Anamnesis (detailed medical review of past health state): One of the first steps in establishing a lung cancer diagnosis is a detailed and complex medical review of a patient's past health problems and general health state, family medical history, lung cancer risk factors (such as smoking history, exposure to environmental and occupational carcinogens), and symptoms.

Physical examination: During the physical examination, the doctor looks for noticeable signs of lung cancer.

Sputum cytology: This is a test performed to examine under microscope the cells contained in the deep- cough sample of the mucus from the lungs.

Imaging techniques

Chest x-ray: An x-ray test uses high energy electromagnetic radiation to penetrate the body and creates its image on a film. An x-ray can reveal tumors developed inside the lungs.
Computed tomography (CT): This imaging test is similar with an x-ray test, and creates a detailed cross-sectional image of the body. This test can identify abnormal mass tissues inside the lungs.
A CT scan is usually performed in two steps for a better diagnosis:
1). First, the targeted area is scanned without a contrast agent.
2). Second, the targeted area is scanned after a contrast agent was administrated.

Bone scan: This test is used to detect if the cancer reached the bones. Before performing this test, the patient receives, through an injection, a radioactive agent that travels throughout the body and collects in areas where cancerous cells have been collected.
Positron emission tomography (PET): This technique uses radioactive glucose to help locate cancerous tumors. The glucose used in this diagnosis method contains a radioactive atom that is highly absorbed by the cancerous cells. The radioactivity is then detected by a special camera. A PET scan is efficient in determining whether or not the cancer has spread beyond the lung as well as the exact location where it has spread.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI is an advanced technique that uses radio waves and strong magnets to reveal a complete image of a targeted area of the body. The energy from the radio waves is absorbed by the tissues and then released into a pattern that allows the cancer to be detected and diagnosed.
Bronchoscopy: This is a medical procedure that allows the doctor to closely examine the tissue from the mouth, nose, throat, larynx, trachea, and lower airways. The medical instrument used to perform this procedure is called bronchoscope, which is a thin, lighted tube with a small camera attached to its end. Bronchoscopy also allows the doctor to remove a sample of tissue for laboratory examination.

Surgical Procedures

Mediastinoscopy: This is a surgical procedure which allows the doctor to examine the inside of the upper chest cavity between and in front of the lungs. In lung cancer patients, this procedure is used to determine whether or not the cancer spread to the lymph nodes from the chest area. Mediastinoscopy is performed through a small incision made in the neck where a small, thin scope (lighted instrument) is inserted in. During this procedure, a small sample of tissue can be removed for further laboratory examination.
Mediastinotomy: This procedure is similar with the mediastinoscopy and is used to establish if the cancer has spread to adjacent organs and structure from the chest cavity. However, in mediastinotomy, the incision is made in the chest.
Thoracotomy: This is another surgical procedure where a large incision in the chest cavity is performed. This procedure allows the doctor to closely examine the thoracic organs (heart, lungs, esophagus, thoracic aorta, and other structures).

Biopsy type procedures

Thoracentesis: This is a biopsy type procedure, where the doctor removes, through a needle, a sample of the fluid from around the lungs. This sample is examined under a microscope for cancerous cells.
Needle aspiration: This is another biopsy type procedure where the doctor removes a sample of lung tissue through a needle .

Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com

Sources:
Familydoctor.org, Stomach Cancer, July 2005
American Cancer Society, Detailed Guide: Stomach Cancer, March 2006
Layke, John, C., D.,O., Lopez, Peter, P., M., D., American Academy of Family Physicians, Gastric Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
National Cancer Institute, Gastric Cancer: Treatment, October 2006
Cancerbackup.org.uk, Stomach, April 2004