Lung Cancer: Diagnosis and Tests

If you have symptoms or your doctor suspects you might havelung cancer, you’ll need to have certain tests to get a diagnosis.

These exams can rule out other conditions and reveal the stage of your disease.

Getting an early diagnosis is important because the earlier lung cancer is detected, the better your prognosis.

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Lung Cancer Tests

To get alung cancer diagnosis, you may need to have one or more of the following tests:

Chest X-RayChest X-rays use small amounts of radiation to take a picture inside your chest. They aren’t considered an effective method for肺癌筛查, but sometimes, a tumor might appear on anX-rayyou received for another problem. If doctors suspect you have a suspicious spot, you’ll probably need a computerized tomography (CT) scan to confirm the diagnosis.

CT ScanThis test gives doctors more detailed pictures than chest X-rays.CT scanscan detect very small tumors and spots on your lungs. Your doctor can also use CT images to see if your tumor has spread to your lymph nodes.

BiopsyFor this test, doctors take a small piece of tissue and examine it under a microscope. A biopsy can confirm that a tumor is cancerous and identify what type of lung cancer you have. Your doctor might take a biopsy of the spot on your lung, lymph nodes, or other areas where the cancer has spread. There are several types ofbiopsiesfor lung cancer, including:

• Needle BiopsyA small needle is inserted through your skin to collect tissue or fluid for testing. This type of biopsy is usually performed with the help of CT,ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or fluoroscopy.
• BronchoscopyA thin tube, called a bronchoscope, is placed through your nose or mouth and inserted into your lungs. A small camera lets doctors see into your lungs and take a sample of tissue with a needle. Sometimes, doctors perform this procedure with a special technology that causes abnormal tissue to light up. This is known as autofluorescence bronchoscopy.
• MediastinoscopyDoctors make an incision at the base of your neck and insert surgical tools behind your chest to check for cancer. They can also take samples from lymph nodes.
• Endobronchial UltrasoundThis procedure involves using an ultrasound with a bronchoscope to gather tissue samples.
• ThoracentesisDoctors use a hollow needle to collect fluid that has formed between the lungs and chest wall. This fluid is tested for cancerous cells.
• ThoracoscopyDuring this procedure, doctors make an incision in the chest wall and insert a device with a camera to look inside the lungs and remove tissue.

Other Imaging TestsYour healthcare provider might perform other sophisticated imaging tests, such as MRI or positron emission tomography (PET), to get a better look at your tumor and see if your lung cancer has spread throughout your body. These tests can also help doctors stage your cancer. If you have lung cancer your doctor may want to get an MRI of your brain to make sure the cancer has not spread there, because the PET scan cannot look at the brain.

Pulmonary Function TestsA pulmonary function test usually involves breathing in and out of a tube to measure your airflow. These tests are sometimes performed after lung cancer is diagnosed to see how well your lungs are working and to determine if you might be a candidate for surgery.

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Lung Cancer Screening

Many medical organizations recommend lungcancer screeningfor certain people who are at an increased risk for developing the disease.

Screening involves looking for early signs of lung cancer before a person shows any symptoms. Typically, doctors do this by performing a CT scan.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly screening for adults 50 to 80 years old who have a history of smoking at least 20 packs of cigarettes in a year and who currently smoke or havequit smokingwithin the past 15 years.

If you fall in this category, talk to your doctor about whether lung cancer screening is right for you.

Coping With a Lung Cancer Diagnosis

If your doctor has told you, “You have lung cancer,” you might feel scared and overwhelmed. Here are some ways to help you cope:

• Communicate with your healthcare team.Tell your doctor if you have any concerns. Also, make sure your entire medical team knows about all your health conditions, so they can work together to give you the best care possible.
• Look for support.Talking to other people can help you work through your feelings. Organizations such asLung Cancer Allianceoffer a list of support groups in your area.
• Find a patient navigator.Some hospitals offer trained professionals to help you navigate through your lung cancer journey. These individuals can assist you in sorting out medical, legal, and financial issues. There are also often social workers who can help.
• Take care of yourself.Eat a healthy diet, get enough rest, and exercise regularly. Being in optimal health can help you get through your treatments and may also boost your mood.

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