DIAGNOSIS OF LUNG CANCER :
If lung cancer is suspected, the person will have their medical history taken, a physical examination, and a variety of tests to confirm the diagnosis. During the physical exam, the doctor will look for lymph node enlargement in the neck or in the region above the collarbones, liver enlargement, abnormal abdominal enlargement, and signs of a lung mass.
The tests may include the following:
1. Chest x-ray to look for growths
2. A Sputum test (phlegm coughed up from the lung) to detect cancerous cells
3. Biopsy (the surgical removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination).
4. Pulmonary function test, called a Spirometry.
STAGING OF LUNG CANCER :
Once the diagnosis of lung cancer is made, further staging studies are done to determine the spread of the disease and the appropriate treatment method. These studies include computed tomography (CT or CAT scan), a bone scan and a PET scan.
A bone scan, also called a radionuclide or nuclear medicine scan, involves injecting a radioactive substance into the body. An instrument then scans the body to measure radiation levels. A PET scan is similar to a bone scan except it gives information on all the organs of the body. Once the tests are done, the doctor will determine what stage the cancer is in and base treatment decisions on this information.
TREATMENT OF LUNG CANCER :
Standard treatment for lung cancer is of limited effectiveness in all but the most localized tumors.
Surgical procedures include wedge or segmental resection (removal of a portion of the affected lungs), lobetomy (removal of entire lobe of the lung) or pneumonectomy (removal of the entire right or left lung).
Radiation therapy is usually given by external beam, using machines located outside the body that deliver x-rays or electrons to the location of the tumor. The radiation dose is based on the size and location of the tumor.
Chemotherapy (treatment with anticancer drugs) is a systemic treatment - the drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body, affecting cancer cells outside the lung area. Drugs given to treat lung cancer may be given by mouth or injection to a muscle or vein. Most chemotherapy is taken on an outpatient basis.
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