Lung Cancer
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 (X-Ray, CT, PET, MRI, Bronchoscopy)
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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.
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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 of 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 for Testing & Diagnosis
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
Page Covers: What are the tests for lung cancer?
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