Imaging manifestations of central lung cancer

Central lung cancer refers to lung cancer that originates from the main bronchus or lobar bronchus, and is usually located close to the hilum of the lung. Its pathological histological classification is usually squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma. The imaging manifestations of central lung cancer are as follows:

1. X-ray manifestations

There are no abnormal signs in the early stage. When the lung cancer mass blocks the bronchus, sputum is not discharged smoothly, and the distal lung tissue is infected, the affected lung segment or lobe will show signs of pneumonia; if the bronchial lumen is completely blocked by the tumor, the corresponding lobe or one side of the lung may be atelectasis; but when the tumor develops to a certain size, a hilar shadow may appear. X-rays can show the shadow of the mass protruding into the bronchial cavity, irregular and thickened tube walls, or narrow and blocked tube cavities. It can also show hilar masses, widened mediastinal shadows, enlarged lymph nodes, pleural effusions, and rib destruction.

2. CT manifestations

CT can display thin cross-sectional structural images, avoiding overlap between lesions and normal tissues. It has a high density resolution and can detect early lung cancer that cannot be detected by general X-ray examinations. It is of great value in the diagnosis of central lung cancer. CT can show the shadow of the mass in the mediastinum, the extent of bronchial involvement, the lymph node metastasis of the tumor, and the degree of invasion of the pulmonary blood vessels and organs and tissues in the mediastinum. It can also be an important basis for formulating surgical or non-surgical treatment plans for central lung cancer.