Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. Should you begin displaying symptoms, such as coughing up blood, shortness of breath and a chronic cough, undergo testing as soon as possible to ensure the best treatment available.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests can detect any abnormal mass or nodule--a small growth or spot on the lung--that an X-ray is unable to detect, according to the Mayo Clinic. The most common imaging tests include a CT and PET-CT scan.
A CT scan uses high frequency waves that radiate through your body to create images. The CT scan will detect any abnormal masses or nodules that are present.
A PET-CT scan, according to CancerHelp UK, is a combination of both a CT scan and PET scan. While the CT scan provides images of your body, the PET scan shows where cells are more active, using a low-dose radioactive dye. This dye is injected into the body prior to the images being taken. In some cases, a PET scan is used to diagnose cancer, as it shows the location of active cells.
Sputum Cytology
Sputum cytology is simply a test that examines sputum under a microscope. This test is an option for patients with productive coughs, and in some cases, the sputum reveals the presence of cancer cells.
"Thorax, An International Journal of Respiratory Medicine," cited the findings of a study performed at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London. The study found that when three sputum samples were taken, the positivity rate was 69 percent, and when four were taken, the rate of positivity increased to 84 percent. The rate of false positives was less than 1 percent. In addition, 40 percent of patients were diagnosed solely on their positive sputum samples in which malignant cells were found. In closing, sputum cytology is a valuable and accurate method of diagnosing lung cancer.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a tissue sample removed from the lungs to make a positive diagnosis of lung cancer. A sample of abnormal cells are taken from the lungs or some other area where the cancer may have spread, such as your lymph nodes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The site goes on to state that biopsies can be performed in a variety of ways. One is a bronchoscopy. CancerHelp UK states that during this procedure, the doctor places a flexible, narrow tube down through your nose or down your throat and into your airway. This allows him to look into your airways, examining any abnormal areas using a lighted tube.
Another procedure called a mediastinoscopy may also be performed. This is more complex and requires an incision being made at the base of your neck. Specific surgical tools are then inserted into the incision and behind your breastbone to remove samples of tissue from your lymph nodes.
A needle biopsy is perhaps the least invasive of the three. The doctor is guided by the CT scan image as he moves a needle into your chest to collect samples of the cells from the nodules or abnormal mass. He may also use this procedure to collect cells from surrounding lymph nodes or areas where he feels the cancer may have spread.
