Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
If your physician believes you should be screened for lung cancer, he or she has a number of tests to choose from that can help determine if cancer is present. The information from these tests enables the physician to determine the type and stage of the cancer and the best way to treat it.
Tests include:
- Physical examination
- Chest examination
- Chest X-ray
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Sputum cytology
- Bronchoscopy
- Biopsy
- Spiral Computerized Tomography (Spiral CT) scan
The newer imaging scans (CT, PET, and MRI) are very sensitive and can reveal cancerous growths not seen by conventional chest X-rays. Clinical trials are underway to determine the effectiveness of screening to permit the early detection of cancer based on these new advances.
Even with all the tests available, a biopsy is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of lung cancer.