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Tests
There are many methods of testing for lung cancer. Remember that each patient is treated as an individual and therefore your doctor will only choose the most appropriate tests for you. Below is a list of tests that are often used to diagnose lung cancer.
There are many methods of testing for lung cancer. Remember that each patient is treated as an individual and therefore your doctor will only choose the most appropriate tests for you. Below is a list of tests that are often used to diagnose lung cancer.
Blood test
Can help in finding out about your general health and possible spread of lung cancer.
Can provide information on many aspects of health including:
- How well your kidneys and liver are working (Creatinine/LFT’s).
- If your body’s biochemistry is balanced (e.g. enough calcium and protein).
- Ongoing/openness to infection (white cell count).
- Anaemia/lack of circulating oxygen (haemoglobin
- Susceptibility to bruising/bleeding (platelets).
Bone scan
A scan where a small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein to highlight any areas of the bones that have been affected by cancer, trauma, or inflammation. Normally done on an outpatient basis.Bronchoscopy
Allows the doctor to examine, photograph, and when possible, take a tiny sample (biopsy) of tissue from the inside of your lungs/airways. Before this test your throat is sprayed numb and a relaxing sedative may be given. A narrow flexible tube with a tiny camera on the front will then be inserted down your nose or mouth. This shows a picture of airways/lungs, and when possible can slide down towards the area in your lung that seems suspicious. Little pinchers on the end of the camera will then be used to take a sample of the growth. If the sample is found to be cancerous it is called malignant, if not it is benign. At this point the cell type of lung cancer you have may be established. This test is not painful but can be uncomfortable and leave you with a sore throat for a few days. A bronchoscopy can be done either as an outpatient or an overnight stay in hospital.Chest X-ray
A simple x-ray of the chest which can sometimes show abnormalities such as inflammation, infection, scarring and growths.CT scan (computed tomography)
A scan that gives a 3-D picture of your body’s organs. Can help to determine whether the cancer has spread to other organs and if it is affecting any of the lymphatic nodes (glands) or blood vessels.Lung function tests
Sometimes an injection or drink (gastrograffin) is given to highlight some of the organs in the gut. The scan is painless but you might feel slightly “boxed in” as it rotates around your body. If you suffer from claustrophobia you should tell the staff as they will be able to reassure you throughout the scan. These are tests to establish how well your lungs are working (air/oxygen capacity). May help decide if you are fit enough for surgery, radiotherapy, or if you have any ongoing lung conditions, such as: emphysema. These simple tests usually involve blowing into a mouth-piece.Mediastinoscopy
A surgical procedure for examining lymph nodes under the breastbone (may leave a small scar). This test requires a general anaesthetic and a short stay in hospital.MRI scan (magnetic resonance imager)
A painless but noisy scanning machine which is similar to a CT scanner but gives a different type of 3D image-using magnets instead of x-rays. No jewellery must be worn during scan, as it will be attracted to the magnet inside the machine. If you suffer from claustrophobia you should tell the staff as they will be able to reassure you throughout the procedure.PET scan
PET (short for positron emission tomography) is a new form of scanner used to diagnose and assess whether or not a tumour is active (PET is more accurate than CT scan for some purposes). A patient who has a PET scan will be injected with a small amount of radioactive tracer, which highlights any tumour activity.Sputum (spit)
A sample may assist in establishing if you have any infections or blood clots. Your hospital or G.P. can perform this test.Ultrasound
This is a painless scan that uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of your body. It may be used to examine inside the kidneys, liver and lung. It is frequently used to pinpoint fluid in the lung.