Screening for Lung Cancer

Cancer screenings are meant to find the disease before any symptoms are present. However, there is controversy about whether screening is beneficial for people with an elevated risk of lung cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, CT scans or chest X-rays can't definitively pinpoint cancer. As of 2009, researchers are studying which tests are the most beneficial for screening lung cancer.

Studies

• Some studies indicate that screening tests can detect lung cancer earlier. However, others have shown that screenings more often indicate benign conditions that can lead to invasive and unnecessary testings.

Imaging Tests

• If a doctor suspects lung cancer, she may order a lung X-ray to see if any masses or nodules exist; a CT scan may also be ordered.

Sputum Cytology

• A sputum cytology can be done if a patient is coughing and releasing sputum; doctors can determine whether lung cancer cells are present.

Bronchoscopy

• A bronchoscopy is a biopsy in which an illuminated tube is put down the throat into the lungs to examine abnormal areas; once inside, the physician can opt to remove tissue samples.

Mediastinoscopy

• Another type of biopsy in which the doctor makes an incision in the neck, and uses tools to collect tissue samples from behind the breastbone.

Needle Biopsy

• A needle biopsy involves piercing the chest to collect cells in a nodule or lump; a CT image or X-ray is used to track the procedure.