Testing

Tests that will assist your doctor in making an accurate diagnosis of lung cancer are:

• Chest X-ray
• Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
• Bronchoscopy: a small scope is passed into the lungs, via the mouth or nose, for direct observation of tumor and to obtain a biopsy.
• Pulmonary function testing
• Needle aspiration: A needle is inserted through the chest into the tumor to remove a sample of tissue.
• Thoracentesis: using a needle, the doctor removes a sample of the fluid that surrounds the lungs to check for cancer cells.
• Thoracotomy: a surgery to open the chest is sometimes needed to diagnose lung cancer. This procedure is major surgery.
• Positron-Emission Tomography (PET scan): this test is helpful in detecting lung cancer and identifying the spread of cancer to other organs.