Only 15 to 20% of lung cancers are detected in its early stages because the symptoms are delayed. In many cases the diagnosis is usually incidental, that is, by medical evidence that you had another purpose. When diagnosed with lung cancer, additional tests are performed to evaluate different tumor stage (if the initial or advanced) as well as lung capacity and general condition.

The prognosis and treatment depend on the size and the extent of having cancer (stage), and the histologic type of tumor. The surgery involves removing the lung area containing the tumor (lung lobe) and lymph nodes in the chest and is the treatment of choice in the early stages of the disease. Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells and radiation therapy using high energy X rays. These last two treatments are used in more advanced stages or in patients which can not be performed surgery.

How can detect early stage lung cancer?
An early-stage lung cancer can be diagnosed early by detecting a lung nodule in chest x-ray or a CT scan. Latter being much more sensitive and accurate. Lung nodules can be benign (infections, scars or benign) or represent an early stage lung cancer. The importance of early diagnosis is that surgery in early stages is the only treatment that can cure lung cancer.

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Lung cancer often spreads to the brain or bones. Knowing the stage (stage) of the disease helps the doctor plan lung cancer treatment. Some of the tests used to determine whether the cancer has spread are:

CT scans or CT scan. A computer linked to an X-ray machine creates a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). A powerful magnet linked to a computer produces detailed pictures of areas inside the body.

Radionuclide studies. The scans with radionuclides (radioactive isotopes) can show whether cancer has spread to other organs including the liver. The patient swallows or receives an injection of a mildly radioactive substance. A machine (scanner) measures and records the level of radioactivity in certain organs to reveal abnormal areas.

Bone scans. The scanogram bone, a type of radionuclide study can show whether cancer has spread to the bones. Is injected into the vein a small amount of a radioactive substance that travels through the bloodstream and concentrates in the areas of abnormal bone growth. An instrument called a scanner measures the radioactivity levels in these areas and records them on x-ray film

Mediastinoscopy / mediastinotomy. A mediastinoscopy can help show whether cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the chest. Using a light optical instrument called an endoscope, the doctor examines the center of the chest (mediastinum) and nearby lymph nodes. At mediastinoscopy, the scope is inserted through a small incision in the neck in mediastinotomy, an incision is made in the chest. In either of the two procedures, the endoscope is also used to collect a tissue sample. The patient receives general anesthesia.

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To help find the cause of the symptoms, the doctor evaluates the person’s medical history, your history of smoking, exposure to environmental substances or craft and family history of cancer. The doctor also performs a physical exam and may order chest x-rays and other tests. If lung cancer is suspected, sputum cytology (microscopic examination of cells in a sample of phlegm from the lungs that comes from a deep cough) is a simple test that can be useful for detecting lung cancer. To confirm the presence of lung cancer, the doctor needs to examine lung tissue. A biopsy is the removal of a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist and can show if a person has cancer. Several procedures can be used to obtain this tissue.

Bronchoscopy. The doctor puts a bronchoscope (a thin tube, light) by mouth or nose until you reach the windpipe to look into the airways. Through this tube, the doctor can collect cells or small tissue samples.

Needle aspiration. A needle is inserted into the tumor through the chest to remove a tissue sample.

Thoracentesis. Using a needle, the doctor removes a sample of fluid around the lungs for cancer cells.

Thoracotomy. Sometimes surgery is needed to open the chest to diagnose lung cancer. This procedure is a major operation that is performed in the hospital.

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