Detecting Lung Cancer
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Importance of Early Diagnosis
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Each year about 170,000 Americans die of lung cancer. Worldwide, the disease claims about 1.3 million lives. Because symptoms often don't surface until the disease has reached advanced stages, it's important to be tested before you feel any warning signs. Typically people who are most prone to develop lung cancer are those 50 to 70 years old who've smoked for at least ten years or have smoked two cigarette packs daily for five years.
Chest X-rays
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Chest x-rays are the most widely used tool for finding any masses in the lungs. They're the most affordable and quickest way used to detect lung cancer, able to find tumors of at least one centimeter. However, because the chest is made up of tissues of various consistencies, chest x-rays are the most challenging of all radiographic tests to do. Even worse, standard chest x-rays don't often don't spot lung cancer until it's too late.
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Computed Tomography
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Computed Tomography (CT) scans give more exact data regarding the size and shape, as well as locate any tumors. Using an x-ray beam that revolves around a patient, the procedure delivers x-rays that are taken from various angles. CT scans, which are the most reliable and non-invasive tool for find lung cancer, may detect small nodules that aren't noticeable on chest x-rays. They can also show if lymph nodes are enlarged. Low-dose spiral CT scans are becoming one of the most effective ways to detect lung cancer. A painless procedure, it's done using computerized imaging machines that take more than 100 consecutive pictures. Besides being sensitive and reliable, it's also able to find lung cancer early.
Autofluorescence Bronchoscopy
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Auto-fluorescence bronchoscopy is a procedure using a white light to illuminate pre-malignant and malignant cancer tissue. Designed to detect early lung cancer and pre-invasive lesions, the process identifies the source of abnormal cells, making it possible to determine early stages of lung cancer so therapeutic treatment can follow to improve the diagnosis of the disease. It's done under local anesthesia, either with or without sedation or under general anesthesia.
Sputum Cytology
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Sputum cytology examines sputum (mucus samples) to find abnormal cells. Produced in the lungs and airways leading to the lungs, sputum isn't the same as saliva. The procedure is done to find noncancerous lung problems whenever lung cancer is suspected. Samples of sputum may be collected by the patient coughing up mucus. A patient can also breathe into saltwater to force mucus out of the mouth.
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- Photo Credit Konstantin Sutyagin
