scan of someone with lung cancer

Symptoms of lung cancer are well known. Cough, particularly coughing up blood, shortness breath, chest pain, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue are all signs and symptoms of lung cancer. But what can you expect when you report these symptoms to your doctor? A wide range of tests are available to determine whether these signs could mean lung cancer or one of many other respiratory diseases like allergies, bronchitis or pneumonia. Read this blog to learn more about diagnosing lung cancer.

x ray of lung cancerThe first thing your doctor might do is order a chest x-ray. A chest x-ray is a radiological test and is the simplest, most common form of lung cancer screening exam. It is painless and takes just a few minutes to complete. A chest x-ray gives your doctor a snapshot of what is going on inside your body. Many lung cancers can be diagnosed with a simple chest x-ray.

Sometimes, however, lung cancer is not obvious on a chest x-ray and your doctor may order more imaging tests, including an MRI, CT scan or PET scan. A CT scan is the most common imaging test used to detect lung cancer after a chest x-ray. It gives your doctor different, more detailed views of your chest when searching for lung cancer. It is also a relatively quick, non-invasive test utilizing a computer to make these more detailed images of your lungs available to your doctor. Cancers that might have been missed on x-rays are often detected by CT scans.

Your doctor may also order a PET-CT to further diagnose lung cancer. A PET-CT is a CT scan that utilizes a harmless and short-acting dye injected into the bloodstream. This radioactive dye binds to cancer cells and makes them appear to “light up” when viewed by a CT scan. A PET-CT can also indicate other areas where the lung cancer may have spread. This diagnostic tool is important in “staging” lung cancer or determining how advanced it might be. This is crucial in putting together the best treatment plan for the lung cancer.

In addition to these imaging tests, other diagnostic tests are also available to evaluate symptoms of lung cancer. Bronchoscopy and needle biopsy are more invasive ways to determine whether a mass noted on any radiological tests is really lung cancer. These require surgery to make the diagnosis. During a bronchoscopy, a lighted tube is passed through the mouth and into the lungs to visualize the lung mass. A tissue sample is then collected and that sample is sent for pathological evaluation to determine whether the mass is an actual cancer. This may also be accomplished by a needle biopsy where, under CT scan guidance, a needle is inserted through the skin and into the lung. The needle can obtain a sample of the lung tissue in and around the mass. This sample is then sent for pathological evaluation and diagnosis.

Lung cancer can be a scary disease. Knowing what to expect is the best way to ease the apprehension that goes with lung cancer testing. If you are a railroad worker with lung cancer and have been exposed to asbestos or diesel exhaust on your job, we are here to help. Contact us today to with any questions you may have.