Kinds of Lung Cancer Diagnostics

# Tests magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make modern computers detailed cross-sectional images. These images are similar to those produced with computed tomography, but are even more accurate in detecting spread of lung cancer to the brain or spinal cord.
# The positron emission tomography (PET): Using a sensitive tracer of low dose that accumulates in cancerous tissues. Bone scans require the injection of a small amount of radioactive substance into a vein. This substance accumulates in abnormal areas of bone that may arise from the spread of cancer.
# Sputum cytology: is examined under the microscope a sample of phlegm to see if it contains cancer cells. * Needle biopsy: A needle is inserted into the mass while the lungs are displayed on a computer tomograph. After removing a sample of the mass and is seen through a microscope for cancer cells.
# Bronchoscopy: It introduces a flexible, lighted tube through the mouth into the bronchi. This procedure can help find tumors located centrally or obstructions in the lungs. It can also be used to take biopsies or remove fluids to be examined with a microscope to see if they contain cancer cells.
# Mediastinoscopy: A small cut is made in the neck and a lighted tube is inserted behind the sternum. You can use special instruments that are managed through this tube to take a sample of tissue from the mediastinal lymph nodes (along the windpipe and the major areas of bronchial tubes). The observation of the samples under a microscope can show if cancer cells.
# Bone marrow biopsy: A needle is used to remove a cylindrical core of bone of approximately 1.5 millimeters wide and 2.5 inches long. Usually, the sample is taken from the back of the hip bone and studied under a microscope to see if cancer cells.
# Blood tests: often perform certain blood tests to help detect if lung cancer has spread to the liver or bones, as well as to diagnose certain paraneoplastic syndromes.