How the Diagnosis for Lung Cancer is Confirmed

 

One of the concerns about lung cancer is that it often isn't confirmed until it is in the later stages. The sooner it is diagnosed, the more successful treatment will be. Some doctors have recommended that their patients who smoke, that work around harsh conditions, or that have a family history of lung cancer get an annual screening. Such testing involves an X-Ray of the chest and a CT Scan.

However, most health insurance plans don't include this type of cancer screening in the coverage. The problem with that is many patients can't afford to pay for such screening methods out of their own pocket. As a result, many doctors won't require them until the patient is exhibiting some symptoms of lung cancer. It can be useful to find out if your insurance offers such coverage.

The X-Ray is going to show the doctor what your lungs look like. If you have any masses or nodules present they will be located. With a CT Scan, various lesions that may be in the lungs can be identified. It is a good idea to have both procedures and not just one. That is because sometimes the X-Ray is clear but not the CT Scan or the other way around.

When sputum is being produced, the doctor may collect a sample of it. This can be evaluated under a microscope. It can show if there are lung cancer cells present. Your doctor may require a simple procedure called biopsy where a sample of the lung tissue is removed and tested. This can be done in a variety of ways, but it is mainly a very fast procedure that is completed.

The results of such testing can help your doctor to confirm a diagnosis of lung cancer. They can also be used to successfully rule that out as a major health concern. Such testing can also help your doctor to determine which stage that the cancer is in. If they feel that the cancer cells may have moved to other locations of the body, further testing may be required to find out.