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Diagnosis
Physical Examination
Patients who are suspected of having lung cancer should undergo a thorough
physical examination. In addition, the physician may ask the patient to
provide a sample of sputum (matter from the throat and lungs, which is
spit out through the mouth). The sputum sample will be sent for testing to
see if it contains bacteria, other infectious organisms, or cancer cells;
cancer cells may be present in the sputum in certain types of lung cancer.
If sputum analysis does not provide a definite diagnosis, more tests will
be needed. The physician may want to perform one or more of the following
tests.
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 excited 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.
Bronchoscope is a visual examination of the windpipe and lung branches
performed by a paleontologist (respiratory disease specialist) using a
flexible scope. Bronchoscope may involve brushings (using a small,
brush-like device to gather cells from the tissue lining the respiratory
system), washings of the respiratory tissues for cell analysis, and biopsy
(removal and examination of small amounts of tissue). If the bronchoscope
is still unrevealing, or "negative," a needle biopsy may be performed.
Needle biopsy, with CT-guidance, may be performed on suspicious areas in
the lungs or pleura. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) uses a slim, hollow
needle that is 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 needle to
obtain a tissue sample for analysis.
Bone scan may also be performed to rule out suspicions of metastasis to
the bones. Metastasis is the process wherein cancerous cells break away
from the original tumor, travel, and grow within other body parts.
