Lung Cancer Diagnosis |
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A physician will perform a physical exam and take a detailed medical and environmental history. A variety of lab tests are ordered, such as a chemistry profile, a phlegm exam, and evaluation of fluid and cells removed from the chest and lungs.
The stage of the cancer is determined after reading of a chest x-ray, CT scan of the stomach and chest, an MRI or CT scan of the brain, and/or PET scans. A bone scan may also be ordered.
A biopsy is often performed. Mediastinoscopy is safe and done as an outpatient procedure under general anesthetic. A small incision is made at the base of the neck and a long tube known as a mediastinoscope is moved along the airway to check the lymph nodes in the mid chest area. Tissue would then be collected with the device and analyzed.
The diagnosis of lung cancer results from a careful review of all information collected. Early diagnosis is the most important factor in the successful treatment of the disease.
