Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic Tests

Physical Examination. A detailed physical examination of the whole body is very important to identify or rule out the spread of cancer to other areas, and to determine the patient's general condition. For example, questions about dizziness or headaches can help the doctor determine if the cancer has spread to the brain. Bone or joint pain might suggest that the cancer has spread to the bone. The doctor will also look for head and neck symptoms that might indicate other tumors. Also, the patient's weight loss and ability to function are two very important factors for predicting survival following treatment. Patients who are mobile and have lost less than 10% of their pre-treatment weight tend to have better survival rates.

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Chest X-Rays. In a small percentage of cases, a routine chest x-ray reveals the first signs of lung cancer. Usually, however, symptoms of existing lung cancer, such as coughing, chest pain, and blood in the sputum, will lead to a chest x-ray. If non-small cell lung cancer is present, chest x-rays may show lesions (damaged or abnormal tissue) in the center of the lung, cavities formed by squamous cell carcinoma, or a lace-like pattern of cells spreading through the lungs. By the time lung cancer is diagnosed by chest x-rays, however, it has often spread so far that it cannot be surgically cured. Four major studies found no survival benefits in early detection from chest x-rays and sputum screening. Regular screening for lung cancer using x-rays is therefore not recommended.

Computed Tomography. Computed tomography (CT), particularly the specific technique called low-dose spiral (or helical) CT, is more effective than x-rays for detecting cancer in patients with suspected lung cancer. It is the standard imaging procedure for determining if and where the cancer has spread (metastasized). Surgeons also use CT scans to evaluate patients before lung surgery.