What are the differential diagnosis methods for lung cancer? 4 differential diagnosis methods for lung cancer

Men are bound to have social activities when they go out, and smoking and drinking are unavoidable. Cigarettes contain too many carcinogens, and people who smoke frequently have a 30% chance of developing lung cancer. In medicine, typical lung cancer is easy to identify. But in some cases, lung cancer is easily confused with the following diseases.

1. Tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis, especially pulmonary tuberculoma (ball), should be differentiated from peripheral lung cancer. Pulmonary tuberculoma (ball) is more common in young patients, with a longer course of disease, rarely bloody sputum, and tuberculosis bacteria found in sputum. Radiologically, it is mostly round, seen in the apex or posterior segment of the upper lobe, small in size, not exceeding 5 cm in diameter, with smooth borders and uneven density. Scattered tuberculosis lesions called satellite lesions can be seen around calcified tuberculoma (ball). Peripheral lung cancer is more common in patients over 40 years old, with more bloody sputum, and 40% to 50% of sputum is positive for cancer cells. X-ray chest films often show lobed tumors with irregular edges, small spicules and pleural shrinkage, and grow faster. In some cases of chronic pulmonary tuberculosis, lung cancer may occur on the basis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Further sputum cytology and bronchoscopy must be performed, and thoracotomy should be performed if necessary.

2. Lung infection

Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate lung infection from obstructive pneumonia caused by lung cancer blocking the bronchus. However, if pneumonia occurs multiple times in the same area, vigilance should be heightened and tumor blockage should be highly suspected. Sputum should be taken from the patient for cytology and fiberoptic tracheal examination. In some cases, when part of the lung inflammation is absorbed and the remaining inflammation is wrapped by fibrous tissue to form nodules or inflammatory pseudotumors, it is difficult to differentiate from peripheral lung cancer. Suspected cases should be subjected to exploratory thoracotomy.

3. Benign lung tumors

Benign lung tumors: such as structural tumors, chondromas, and fibromas are rare, but they must be differentiated from peripheral lung cancer. Benign tumors have a long course of disease and are mostly asymptomatic clinically. They often appear as round masses on X-rays with neat edges, no burrs, and no lobes. Bronchial adenoma is a low-grade malignant tumor that often occurs in young women. Therefore, clinical symptoms such as lung infection and hemoptysis are common, and fiberoptic bronchoscopy can often make a diagnosis.

4. Mediastinal malignant lymphoma (lymphosarcoma and Hodgkin's disease)

Clinically, there are often symptoms such as cough and fever. Imaging shows that the mediastinum is widened and lobed, which is sometimes difficult to distinguish from central lung cancer. If there is supraclavicular or axillary lymph node enlargement, a biopsy should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Lymphosarcoma is particularly sensitive to radiotherapy. For suspected cases, low-dose radiotherapy can be tried, which can significantly reduce the mass. This experimental treatment is helpful for the diagnosis of lymphosarcoma.

These diseases are similar to lung cancer and are not easy to distinguish. If you feel unwell and have some similar symptoms to lung cancer, it is recommended that you go to the hospital for a check-up. Without a doctor's diagnosis, don't worry too much and put yourself under psychological pressure and anxious emotions, which will affect your condition.