What are the methods for detecting early lung cancer? Three tests can help you detect lung cancer

Early stage lung cancer should be examined by X-ray as soon as possible. This examination method can be used to make a preliminary diagnosis and analyze whether there are suspicious lesions in the lungs. Then the next step of examination, including sputum culture examination and lung CT examination, can be carried out. These methods can provide a deeper understanding of whether there is a tendency of lesions and whether there are cancer cells.

Many people tend to ignore early lung cancer because the symptoms are not obvious. In the early stages, many symptoms are similar to those of pneumonia, so even if they are discovered, they may be misdiagnosed. Some people with early lung cancer may have symptoms such as coughing and expectoration, and even chest tightness. In severe cases, it may affect breathing, but it is impossible to accurately judge based on symptoms alone, so you should get checked as soon as possible.

1. Chest X-ray: Chest X-ray is a very common examination method and is also the first step for many patients to confirm the diagnosis. Through this examination, you can understand the specific changes in the lungs and whether there are suspicious tumors. Once a shadow is found, you must be highly alert to the possibility that it is caused by early lung cancer. However, this examination is difficult to detect lesions in hidden areas, which is its shortcoming.

2. Sputum cytology: Patients with early lung cancer can do sputum culture to find out whether there is blood in the sputum, whether there is occult blood in the sputum, and some patients can know whether there are cancer cells in the sputum through this examination. This examination may detect cancer earlier than X-rays. If the sputum culture is positive, it means that the problem is more serious and further examination and analysis may be required.

3. Chest CT examination: This examination can provide an in-depth understanding of whether there are lesions in the lungs. Lesions in hidden parts of the lungs can be found, but they may not be clearly seen in the early stages, so misdiagnosis cannot be ruled out. Most patients can use images to classify lesions morphologically and qualitatively to exclude the risk of lesions. Currently, chest CT has clear positioning and very accurate resolution.

If lung cancer is diagnosed in the early stage through these tests, it should be taken seriously and actively cooperated with treatment. When lung cancer has not yet spread to distant sites, it is recommended to undergo surgery to remove the tumor as soon as possible. After surgery, combined with the recovery of the disease, it is decided whether radiotherapy and chemotherapy are needed. The main purpose is to inhibit cancer cells. If you want to maintain survival time, you can also undergo targeted therapy to control the disease from developing into the middle and late stages.