Tests for Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

In order to get correct diagnosis about suspect of lung cancer disease, the doctor may they will do a certain number of steps such as Anamnesis, Physical examination, Sputum cytology and Imaging techniques.

Anamnesis

The doctor may ask about medical and family history, lung cancer risk factors (such as smoking history, exposure to environmental and occupational carcinogens), and symptoms. Other information also may important to help the doctor in order to focus their data such as about lifestyle, overall health, and the medications taken.

Physical Examination

The doctor performed a physical examination to looks for noticeable signs of lung cancer.

Sputum Cytology

Collecting sputum or mucus sample from the patients who diagnosed as suspect of lung cancer by deep-cough is important in order to do culture examination under microscope.

Imaging techniques

1. Chest X-Ray. By using high energy electromagnetic radiation to penetrate the body and creates its image on a film. These method is used for diagnosing unusual masses within the lungs. If a mass or other abnormality is discovered in the image, The doctor may suggest a lung biopsy to make an official diagnosis.


2. Computed tomography (CT) scan. Although chest x-rays are effective in detecting abnormalities within the lungs, healthcare professionals have found that the CT Scan is more effective in early detection of many lung diseases.

This test is similar with an x-ray test, Its creates a detailed cross-sectional image of the body. So, the image result will perform and identify any abnormal mass tissues inside the lungs.
A CT scan is usually performed in two steps for a better diagnosis:
a). First step, the targeted area is scanned without a contrast agent.
b). Second step, the targeted area is scanned after a contrast agent was administrated.

Pulmonary Function Test

This is easy test for the patient, Pulmonary function tests are diagnostic tests used for measuring how well the lungs take in air and expel air, and how efficiently they exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood by using Spirometry and Body Plethsmography.

Bronchoscopy Test

If the doctor has decided suspect of lung cancer to the patient or if a mass has been detected on a chest x-ray or scan of the lungs, They may want to perform a bronchoscopy. These is a diagnostic medical instrument used to obtain lung tissue, mass tissue and secretion samples for further analysis and also to detect or rule out tumors or any abnormalities of the lungs or airways.

Lung Biopsy and Pathology Tests

There are two types of lung biopsies, Surgical and Non-surgical/Needle. Surgical procedure is used to remove small piece of lung tissue that may indicated as cancer, benign tumors, lung diseases, and certain lung infections through a surgical incision in the chest.

Lung biopsy by needle is most common medical procedure which taken by the doctors when the abnormal condition is near the surface of the lung, in the tissues surrounding the lungs, or on the chest wall.