Both general health and respiratory status of the patient will be evaluated. A detailed medical history will be taken. The patient will be asked about previous illness, smoking and occupational history, respiratory symptoms and general health. A complete physical examination will be done with special attention to the lungs, the lymph nodes in your neck and underarms, and the abdomen. If surgery is a possibility, the doctor needs to determine whether the patient can tolerate surgery.
Many different kinds of tests may be used: several kinds of X-ray examinations, as well as other methods of obtaining a picture of the inside of the body. The doctor will decide which ones the patient needs. Instruments may be used to look into various parts of the body, and in some cases specimens will be taken for examination in the laboratory. Sputum, blood, urine and other body fluids will be examined. If necessary, an operation will be performed to complete the diagnosis.
Although some people believe that lung cancer can be diagnosed by a blood test, this is not true. Blood tests may help determine whether the cancer has spread to an organ such as the liver, but such tests must be done in conjunction with other studies.
The patient may be given one or more of the following test:
- Chest X-ray
- CT Scans
- PET Scans
- Bone Scans
- Bronchoscopy
- Needle biopsy
- Thoracentesis
- Thoracoscopy
- Mediastinocscopy
- MRI Scans
Can we diagnose this disease on our own without a doctor? Any signs to look out for?
ReplyDeleteActually, we do have a section in our blog that talks about early lung cancer symptoms. Do check it out!
DeleteBut anyway, here's a few of them: shortness of breath, coughing, hoarse voice and chestpain.
Thanks for commenting. :)