What are the methods for detecting small cell lung cancer

What are the methods for checking small cell lung cancer? You must go to a regular hospital to check for this disease. Many people go to a small hospital and cannot get a diagnosis, which delays the control of the disease. Let's learn about the methods for checking small cell lung cancer!

A chest X-ray is the simplest, easiest and cheapest method of examination.

Chest computerized tomography (CT): It can show lesions that cannot be found by ordinary X-ray examinations, and show the range and degree of involvement of the hilar lymph nodes and mediastinum.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It is not as good as CT in detecting small lung lesions, but it can more clearly show the relationship between the tumor and large blood vessels. When determining whether there is intracranial metastasis, enhanced MRI is the first choice.

Positron emission tomography (PET): Whole-body PET is significantly more accurate than CT and radionuclide bone scanning in identifying lung masses, lymph nodes, or distant metastases.

Sputum cytology examination: The positive rate is related to the location and size of the tumor, the quality of the sputum, whether there is concurrent infection, etc. The detection rate of central lung cancer is higher, but it is difficult to determine the type, and it is currently not recommended.

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy: It can observe the location, size and extent of the tumor infiltrating the bronchial cavity, and obtain tissue for pathological examination. Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) is a new technology. For lesions with only airway compression but no intracavitary tumors, this examination can help clarify the extent of the lesion and improve the accuracy of transmural biopsy.

Percutaneous lung biopsy: It is performed under CT guidance. The biopsy positive rate is as high as 90%. If the tumor contains a large amount of necrotic area, it is often false negative.

Mediastinoscopy: For cases that are difficult to diagnose with conventional methods, mediastinoscopy and biopsy can be considered. It is of great diagnostic significance for upper mediastinal lymph node metastasis or anterior mediastinal lymph node invasion.

Prevention methods:

Prevention of lung cancer is better than cure, and prevention is mainly divided into three levels.

Prevention is aimed at healthy people, mainly including not smoking, staying away from secondhand smoke pollution. Try to avoid outdoor air pollution and kitchen fumes. Choose environmentally friendly decoration materials. Eat a balanced diet, eat more grains, vegetables, and fruits. Maintain an optimistic and positive attitude towards life and improve psychological adaptability.