Diagnosis of Lung Cancer Patients who are suspected of having lung cancer should undergo a thorough physical examination. In addition, the following tests are performed to diagnose lung cancer. Sputum examination: Sputum examination is done to check if the sputum contains bacteria, other infectious organisms or cancer cells. If sputum analysis does not provide a definite diagnosis, more tests are warranted. Chest radiograph: Chest radiograph is used to detect enlarged lymph nodes in the chest or a localized mass in the lungs. Computed tomography: Computed tomography (CT or ‘CT’ scan) is a computer-assisted technique that produces cross-sectional images of the body. Magnetic resonance imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) is a diagnostic method in which hydrogen ions within the body 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. Bronchoscopy: Bronchoscopy is a visual examination of the windpipe and lung branches performed by a pulmonologist using a flexible scope. If the bronchoscopy is unrevealing, or ‘negative,’ a needle biopsy may be performed. Needle biopsy: 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 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: 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. Blood tests: Blood tests may also be performed to look for lung cancer ‘markers’. For example, lung cancer may be indicated by abnormalities in the following. Parathyroid hormone (PTH): Blood levels of PTH or PTH-related protein may help to distinguish lung cancer from cancer of the pleura or other diseases. Carcinogenic antigen (CEA): This is a cancer-specific immune system protein that is present in many adenocarcinomas, including lung adenocarcinoma. Increased preoperative levels of CEA usually suggest a poor prognosis. A CEA level greater than 50 may indicate advanced stage lung cancer and should discourage treatment by resection. Cytokeratin fragment 19 (CYFRA21-1): A protein marker of lung cancer.
Posted on: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 01:00:00 +0000
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