Diagnostic Tests

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 in the center of the lung, cavities formed by squamous cell carcinoma, or thread-like infiltrates running through the lungs. By the time lung cancer is diagnosed by chest x-rays, however, it usually has already 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 currently recommended.

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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), for example to the head, bone, or abdomen. It is also used for evaluating patients before lung surgery.

CT stands for computerized tomography. In this procedure, a thin X-ray beam is rotated around the area of the body to be visualized. Using very complicated mathematical processes called algorithms, the computer is able to generate a 3-D image of a section through the body. CT scans are very detailed and provide excellent information for the physician.