Investigations of Lung Cancer

X Ray Chest

It shows a patch of abnormal lung tissue or superadded infection i.e. pneumonia.

Sputum Examination

The first coughed sputum in the morning is collected, stained with special dyes and examined under microscope. It may show cancerous cells and also rules out more common lung affections such as tuberculosis of lungs.

CT Scan and MRI

A suspicious area on chest x ray can be seen in great detail. To determine soft tissue invasion CT scan is better while bony metastases are better visualized with MRI.

Biopsy

Here a very small part of suspicious growth is removed and subjected to histopathological examination. It can be done as follows:

Fine Needle Aspiration

It is useful when cancer is placed in outer part of the lung. With patient under sedation, the physician inserts a fine needle through the chest cavity and under CT scan guidance places it into the growth. The removed part of tissue is subjected to histopathology.

Bronchoscopy

It is useful when the cancer is placed in the central part of the lung. Here a small flexible telescope is inserted into the trachea i.e. main windpipe. On reaching the cancer site cell brushings inside the trachea are obtained or biopsy is taken as necessary. An alternative to traditional way is virtual bronchoscopy. Here no tube is inserted into the trachea. The patient lies on the table. Multiple cross sections of the chest are evaluated using am imaging technique akin to MRI. From this information computerized software reconstructs the final image of cancer & its spread to the tissues can be evaluated.

Exploratory Thoracotomy

Rarely even after extensive workup, the final diagnosis of the cancer may not be possible. Then the chest cavity is opened surgically and extent of the growth is estimated under direct vision and biopsy is carried out.

Check my next article on “Treatments for Lung Cancer“.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for the general public awareness only. The patient is advised to take proper medical opinion before undergoing any treatment mentioned herein. The author and publisher are not responsible for any consequences thereof.