- Chest radiograph with which you can see any mass or spot on the lungs and reasonably set the probability of being a cancer. This test is performed in two projections, one front and one in profile. For more than 95% of cancer cases their results are abnormal.
- TAC: It consists of an X-ray emission from different perspectives and with that seen throughout the body. It is a simple test which usually lasts more than 15-30 minutes. This is more sensitive than radiography and it detects more early-stage cancer. It also serves to check for metastasis to other organs: liver, adrenal glands, brain and so on. It is the most widely used imaging test and profitable in the study of this disease. However, sometimes required to complete the study of CT with other more sensitive tests for specific sites of lung cancer: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain or spine, liver ultrasound, bone scan and so on.
- Magnetic resonance imaging is used to make detailed cross-sectional images. This technique uses magnetic fields and spectra emitted by phosphorus in body tissues and becomes the image. With it you can see the tumor vasculature. They are more accurate images with which one can observe the spread of cancer to the brain or spinal cord. It is often not too useful for exploring the lungs.
