How to diagnose small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer can be diagnosed through chest X-ray, chest CT, sputum exfoliative cytology, pleural effusion cytology, and bronchoscopy.

1. Chest X-ray

Chest X-ray is one of the most commonly used methods to detect the disease, but the resolution is relatively low and it is not easy to detect small nodules and lesions in hidden parts of the lungs. Generally speaking, small cell lung cancer is mainly central lung cancer, mainly a round shadow at the hilum of the lung, with rough edges and lobes or cuts.

2. Chest CT

Chest CT has a higher resolution than chest X-rays, and CT can sensitively detect hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Percutaneous puncture biopsy of lung lesions under the guidance of CT is also an important tissue diagnostic technique.

3. Sputum exfoliative cytology

Sputum exfoliative cytology is one of the important diagnostic methods for this disease. It needs to be tested at least three times. The sensitivity is less than 70%, but the specificity is high.

4. Pleural effusion cytology

Patients with pleural effusion can have fluid drawn to look for cancer cells, with a detection rate of approximately 40% to 90%. Multiple tests can increase the chance of a positive result.

5. Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is one of the main methods for diagnosing this disease. Generally, the diagnostic positive rate of tissue biopsy and cell brushing under direct vision can reach about 90%.

Patients with small cell lung cancer need to quit smoking and drinking, eat a balanced diet, pay more attention to rest, avoid staying up late, and stay away from high-risk factors such as dust and fumes.