Understanding the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Early and accurate diagnosis of lung cancer is essential for effective treatment and better outcomes. Doctors use various diagnostic methods, including imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans, to detect abnormalities in the lungs. A biopsy is often performed to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Other tests, such as PET scans and sputum cytology, may also help in assessing the disease’s progression. Since early-stage lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, timely screenings play a crucial role in detecting the disease before it advances.
What are the Tests that help in the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer diagnosis tests include:
An X-ray of your lungs can reveal abnormal masses or nodules. A CT scan may reveal small lesions in your lungs that may not be detected by radiography.
If you have a cough and produce sputum, watching sputum under the microscope may sometimes reveal the presence of lung cancer cells.
A mediastinoscopy is surgery performed for the assessment of a space in the thorax called the mediastinum. This is the area in the back of the sternum or breast bone located in the mid-chest and to the right and left of the center between the two main parts of the lungs. This space contains:
- Lymph nodes
- The heart and its great vessels
- The windpipe (trachea)
- The thymus gland (a gland in the body system)
Their location can be accessed with a tool known as a mediastinoscope. This is a flexible and long in shape tube that contains a light as well as a minicam. It enables the healthcare provider to visualize the organs and structures present at the mediastinum region. It also involves the capability to send them directly to the computer screen, and then, record them.
The procedure is used mainly to undertake lymphadenectomy when one has lung cancer or lung disease. The nodes are scrutinized to discern the degree of spread of the cancer. This can assist in identifying the proper management strategies that are integral to combating lung cancer.
EBUS bronchoscopy is a process of diagnosing various conditions in the lungs which may be inflammation, infection, or development of cancer.Â
This procedure is conducted by a pulmonologist. It involves passing a wire with a camera through the mouth and into the windpipe and lungs.Â
EBUS has an integrated video camera and an ultrasound probe to take pictures of your lung’s lymph nodes to determine areas of the lungs or enlarged lymph nodes seen on x-rays or scans that require more information.
After biopsy, some abnormal cells of your lung can be taken from your body.
Bronchoscopy or mediastinoscopy may also be performed by the doctor to get a biopsy.
Knowing about the cancer stage helps you and your physician determine which treatment is better.
Staging tests can include imaging procedures that allow your doctor to research evidence that cancer has spread beyond your lungs. They include computed tomography, MRI, PET, and bone scans. Not every test is suitable for every person, so talk to your doctor about the procedures that work for you.
Lung Cancer Prevention and Health Checkup
Timely diagnosis is very important to detect lung cancer at an early stage, which is possible through regular health checkups. Risk factors can be definitely decreased by taking some proactive measures such as:
- Quit smoking and stay away from tobacco to keep lung cancer at bay. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is also linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.
- Avoid any toxic environment that may include the company of smokers, pubs, toxic chemicals. If bound by duty then use a mask.
- Do not go for needless x rays at frequent intervals. Avoid exposure to radiation as much as possible.
- Stick to a balanced, nutritious, and healthy diet comprising of grains, vegetables, and fruits. Adopt an exercise regime for five days a week. A diet rich in fiber, low in fat, and filled with fresh vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of lung cancer as well as other forms of cancers and heart disorders.
In addition to this, keep a regular check on health status by having full body tests, X-rays, and regular lung cancer checks. Early diagnosis of lung cancer is required for establishing the disease prognosis. Preventive health checks help in determining the body’s health status.
Benefits of Early Lung Cancer Detection and Diagnosis
Lung cancer in advanced stages is very difficult to cure and often treatments are given to reduce the signs and offer a painless life to patients.
However, early detection and diagnosis of the disease can definitely help in curing cancer with better outcomes and stopping the further spread of the disease.
In the early stage, the 5-year survival rate (percentage of people who survived more than 5 years after the treatment) is 95%.
Low-dose CT (LDCT) scans can help in the detection of cancerous areas in the lungs. Unlike chest X-rays, research has shown that yearly LDCT scans to screen people at higher risk of lung cancer can help in early detection and save more lives.
Getting yearly LDCT scans before symptoms appear can help reduce the risk of dying from lung cancer.
Who Should Be Screened?
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends a yearly lung cancer screening with LDCT for smokers of the following categories
- Active smokers have 1 or more packs of cigarettes per day, and
- Smoking now or have quit within the past 15 years, and
- Age between 50 to 80 years old
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. How is the diagnosis of lung cancer confirmed?
A. The diagnosis of lung cancer is confirmed through imaging tests like CT scans and X-rays, followed by a biopsy to examine abnormal cells for cancer.
Q2. What tests are used to detect lung cancer?
A. Common tests for lung cancer detection include chest X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, sputum cytology, and biopsies to assess lung abnormalities and confirm cancer.
Q3. Can lung cancer be detected early through screening?
A. Yes, low-dose CT (LDCT) scans are used for early lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals, such as long-term smokers, to detect cancer before symptoms appear.
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Author Bio:
Dr. Yashashree Joshi – MBBS, MD (Philippines)
Dr. Yashashree Joshi, MD, is a globally-trained oncologist with a robust academic background and extensive experience in pioneering cancer treatments. Dedicated to patient-centered care, she continually integrates the latest advancements in oncology to provide her patients with innovative and personalized treatment plans.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board
