Cell growth is usually regulated by the body. New cells are produced as older cells die. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a disease in which new cells are produced outside this process (like all cancers). The body is unable to control the production of cells, which ultimately form a tumor in the lung tissue.

It\’s important to diagnose NSCLC as early as possible. The earlier it is detected and staged, the more likely treatment will be successful. If the tumor is caught before it spreads beyond the lungs, a surgeon may be able to remove it with surgery (e.g. lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.). Once it metastasizes to distant parts of the body, chemotherapy becomes necessary.

This article will describe some of the tests performed by doctors to diagnose non-small cell lung cancer. You\’ll also learn about the goal of staging the disease, a prerequisite to creating a treatment plan.

Imaging Studies Performed To Detect Cancer Cells

Chest x-rays are taken to look for abnormalities in the lungs; the images often reveal tumors and diseased lymph nodes. It\’s important to note that the images do not provide conclusive evidence for, or against, the presence of cancer in the lungs. If the x-rays display a mass, the mass may not be indicative of cancer; if there are no abnormalities visible on the images, it does not necessarily preclude the presence of cancer cells.

A computed tomography scan (or, CT scan) can provide clearer results than x-rays. This study, too, uses x-rays, though it does so in a way that generates 3-dimensional images of the lungs and other structures in the chest. A special dye may be injected to provide better (i.e. clearer) imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be done. This test uses radio waves and magnetic fields to produce images of the chest structures. Results from MRIs tend to be very detailed, and thus useful for detecting even small tumors and diseased lymph nodes.

As noted, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs produce images of the body\’s structures – in this case, those within the chest. Positron emission tomography scanning is an imaging study that focuses on the activity of the structures. A radioactive agent is injected into the patient to aid in visualization. The chemical causes a reaction in the body that can be displayed on the PET scans.

If the doctor suspects that non-small cell lung cancer has spread from the lungs to the bone, a bone scan may be ordered. The results are rarely sufficient on their own for diagnosing the condition.

Methods To Remove A Tissue Sample

When the imaging studies discussed earlier provide strong evidence that cancer cells are present in the lungs, doctors investigate further by removing a tissue sample. The most common test is a biopsy. A thin needle is inserted through the patient\’s chest wall into the suspected lung. A small piece of tissue is withdrawn through the needle. The tissue is examined in a lab for signs of cancer.

A bronchoscopy may be done if the doctor suspects cancer cells in the air passages. A thin, flexible instrument (bronchoscope) is inserted through the mouth – or, occasionally through the nose – and directed down the throat. Tissue samples are collected from the walls of the air passages, and studied further in a lab.

Another procedure called mediastinoscopy is performed to collect tissue samples from the lymph nodes near the lungs. A flexible tube (mediastinoscope) is inserted through an incision made into the chest. It is directed behind the breastbone to remove the samples.

Staging Of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

After non-small cell lung cancer has been diagnosed, it must be staged to determine the most appropriate treatment options. Staging of cancers focuses on the size of the tumors, and the extent of metastasis (spread to other areas of the body). When lung cancer is still in its early stages, surgery is often performed as the primary treatment. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be given as secondary (adjuvant) treatments. By stage 3, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are usually considered the best approaches since the tumor has spread beyond the lungs.

As already mentioned, early detection of non-small cell lung cancer plays an important role in successfully treating the condition. Treatment options are chosen based on the spread of the disease as well as the overall health of the patient.

Visit our website at www.CVTSA.com for more general information, and for specific information on minimally invasive lung cancer surgery.

Visit our website at http://www.cvtsa.com for more general information, and for specific information on minimally invasive lung cancer surgery http://www.cvtsa.com/LungCancer/C-556.html.

Author Bio: Visit our website at www.CVTSA.com for more general information, and for specific information on minimally invasive lung cancer surgery.

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