What are different diagnostic techniques for lung cancer?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among the people living in the USA. Lung cancer can be prevented as well as treated. But diagnosis is important before the treatment. It can be diagnosed with the X-ray, CT scan, and biopsy. But, the type of biopsy to be performed will be decided by the doctor.

Lung cancer is cancer that starts from the inner lining of the lungs. Hence, the name lung cancer. The cancer is common among the smokers rather than non-smokers. Lung cancer can lead to various complications. But the interesting fact is, it can be treated.

Diagnosis for Lung Cancer

Every disease has some of the diagnostic tests. These tests vary from the type of cancer or for the screening of cancer. The diagnostic techniques of lung cancer can be classified to the following –

  1. Testing for healthy people
    People who are more at risk of lung cancer may opt for annual screening of the lungs so as to get aware of the disease as soon as possible. This can be done using low levels of the CT Scans. Lung cancer screening is done to people who are less than 55 years of age. Specifically in those who smoke a lot or those who intake smoke secondhand. You can discuss with the oncologist or the other doctor which one is good for you.
  1. Test to diagnose the lung cancer
    If the oncologist feels that you may have lung cancer, your doctor may advise you to undergo few tests which will confirm or negate the diseases. Some of these tests are –
  • Imaging test – In an imaging test, a CT scan is the most vital and useful one. The x-ray will also help to determine any deformation in the lungs or change in the appearance of the lungs. But, CT scan can detect the small things which might not be possible in case of X-ray.
  • Sputum Cytology – People who generally suffer from a heavy cough and high level of sputum, may go for sputum cytology. In this test, the sputum of the person is tested under the microscope to determine the lung cancer.
  • Biopsy – Biopsy is also known as a tissue sample. In this test, few abnormal cells are removed and then go for testing in a laboratory. This is the best confirmation for any type of cancer. A biopsy can be performed in a number of ways including the bronchoscopy. In this test, the doctor will examine the abnormal areas of the lung using a tube attached to light at one side. Mediastinoscopy can also be used. In mediastinoscopy, an incision is made in the neck using surgical instruments, then the tissues are gathered from that hole and go for testing. Needle biopsy is also a form of biopsy. In a needle biopsy, the doctor put the needle to the right place to take out a sample of abnormal cells which will then go for testing. To put the needle at a right place, the doctor makes the use of X rays and CT scan to reach a suspicious cell in the lungs. The biopsy can take the sample of the lymph nodes and other areas surrounding the affected area like liver to test whether it has spread to the other parts or not.

Careful analysis of the suspicious cells in the laboratory can determine whether you are suffering from cancer or not. Also, it will help to determine which type of cancer are you suffering from. The results of the testing will help your doctor to identify the characteristic of those cells. This will help in prognosis and to determine the right treatment for cancer.

Therefore, the oncologist will advise you to undergo the diagnostic tests based on your condition. However, a biopsy is a must for the identification of cancer. The type of biopsy will be decided by the oncologist or the doctor.

If you have a Lung Cancer then you sure appointment with the best Pulmonologist if you are not able to find the right doctor then you can help through a medical assistant company like logintohealth who helps you finding the best doctors in your City if you are seeking Lung Cancer Surgery in Mumbai then easily find this website.

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Bhanu Garg: