What tests should lung cancer patients undergo

Lung cancer occurs in the bronchial mucosal epithelium, also known as bronchial cancer. Lung cancer ranks first among male cancer patients. What kind of examinations do lung cancer patients generally need to undergo clinically?

1. X-ray examination

It is one of the must-check items and is still the most effective and economical examination method. More than 98% of lung cancer patients can find abnormalities in chest X-rays. In addition, dynamic chest X-ray can make up for the shortcomings of chest X-rays and can find abnormal heart shadows and diaphragm activity, which is helpful for diagnosis.

2. CT

CT is a supplement to X-ray examination, but it cannot replace it. The cross-sectional view of the chest can more clearly show the tumors and enlarged lymph nodes in the mediastinum or near the mediastinum. It can also more clearly show the relationship between the tumor and the chest wall and the degree of invasion. This examination is necessary for patients who have the conditions permit.

3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

This is a non-radiation-damaging examination that can display the intrathoracic structure in not only cross-sectional views, but also sagittal and coronal views, which means that tumors can be judged from multiple aspects and angles.

4. Sputum exfoliated cell examination

This is one of the important and simple methods for diagnosing lung cancer. The positive rate of detached cancer cells can reach 60% to 80% in sputum. However, it is generally required to cough up deep sputum in the morning and check for more than 3 consecutive days.

5. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy can visualize lesions and take biopsy tissue for pathological examination, which can help understand the location of the lesions in the bronchus and thus determine the scope and type of surgical resection.

6. Transpulmonary puncture biopsy

It has high diagnostic value for tumors and is relatively safe. It is usually performed under X-ray television fluoroscopy, but can also be performed under B-ultrasound or CT guidance, with a positive rate of over 80%.