Lung Cancer - Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing lung cancer is a medical history and a physical examination. An important part of the medical history involves questions about smoking. A patient who smokes is at high risk for lung cancer.
- Berylliosis:
- A disease of the lungs caused by inhaling small particles of the element beryllium.
- Biopsy:
- A procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed and then studied under a microscope.
- Chemotherapy:
- A method of treating cancer using certain chemicals that can kill cancer cells.
- Metastasis:
- The process by which cancer cells travel from one area of the body to another.
- Primary lung cancer:
- Cancer that starts in the lungs.
- Radiation therapy:
- The use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer.
- Radon:
- A radioactive gas that occurs naturally and is often found in the lower levels of buildings.
- Secondary lung cancer:
- Cancer that starts somewhere else in the body and then spreads to the lungs.
- Silicosis:
- A disease of the lungs caused by inhaling fine particles of sand.
- Sputum:
- Material that is coughed up from the passageways of the lungs.
- Tumor:
- A mass or lump of tissue made of abnormal cells.
The primary purpose of the physical examination is to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms. For example, many respiratory problems can cause hoarseness and coughing. The doctor needs to be certain that none of these problems is responsible for the patient's symptoms.
Imaging techniques may also be used. A chest X ray may show the presence of unusual masses in the lungs. A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test may provide further information about the size, shape, and location of any tumors.
Sputum analysis may be ordered to study materials coughed up by the patient. This test can detect at least 30 percent of all lung cancers. An important feature of a sputum test is that it can detect cancer in its earliest stages.
The most conclusive test for lung cancer is a lung biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed. The sample is then studied under a microscope. Cancer cells can be identified under a microscope because of their distinctive appearance.
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