Whenever you find any reason or any symptoms related to lung cancer, you must consult a doctor. When you get to know about lung cancer in its initial stages, it is easier to cure it, but once the lung cancer reaches its advanced stage, the situation becomes critical to handle.
Tests to diagnose lung cancer
Imaging test
This includes an X-ray and CT scan in which an x-ray is done to reveal the abnormal mass of nodule in the lungs, and a CT scan is done to disclose tiny lesions in the lungs.
Sputum cytology
While coughing, if you get sputum, sputum can then be checked under a microscope to detect lung cancer cells.
Tissue sample
Tissue samples, also called a biopsy, can be performed in a different number of ways in which lighted tubes are used to detect the infected part of the lungs, and the sample of infected or abnormal cells is removed.
Biopsy samples can also be taken from lymph nodes or the part where the cancer cells can be.
Once these samples are collected, then these are analyzed carefully to deduct the type of lung cancer. Cell’s size of the infected parts can reveal the type of lung cancer.
The more the delay happens in the diagnosis of lung cancer, the deadlier it becomes. The cost of treatment also increases sharply with time. In such cases, people from weak financial background find themselves at a disadvantage. At Ketto, we try to help such people by giving them a platform to raise their voice for help. Every person who is in urgent need of money to meet his needs whether be it treatment for a deadly disease like cancer or any other personal goal or dream, can use Ketto’s platform to start a fundraiser and reach out to those who can help them.
Tests to determine the extent of lung cancer
Once the doctor confirms the existence of disease, then the next step is to figure out the stage of cancer. The knowledge of the stage of your cancer will help you with your further treatment and for making the decision of the type of treatment that is to be taken.
The further test to know the stage of the cancer include
CT, MRI, positron emission tomography (PET), bone scans. Each person required the test differently, so you need to talk to your doctor and should do further process.
CT scan
In the CT scan, you get a detailed picture of the body like the brain, abdomen, lymph nodes, etc. The CT scan machine is linked with an X-ray machine and computer, which gets you a clear picture. A dye is injected inside the tissue for clear visibility. This filling procedure also called computed tomography or computerized axial.
MRI
MRI also called magnetic resonance imaging is an effective method to diagnose lung cancer and involves magnetic, radio waves, and computers for a clear picture of the inside organs.
PET Scan
Radioactive sugar is injected into the veins in a very minimal amount to find malignant tumor cells in the body. In the PET Scan, the malignant tumor’s picture is shown clear and brighter because they absorb more glucose than healthy cells do.
Bone Scan
The procedure of a bone scan is done to check whether the cells are dividing rapidly into more cells or not. A minimal amount of radioactive beam is injected into the vein, which then travels throughout the blood. The bone scan then collects the radioactive materials collects in the bone along with cancer cells and is detected by a scanner .
Pulmonary function test (PFT)
This pulmonary function test is done to check the performance of the lungs. It is done to check the quantity of air that lungs are able to hold and how quickly the air travels inside and outside of the lung. Pulmonary function test also tests the amount of oxygen lungs are taking in, and the amount of carbon dioxide lungs are throwing out while breathing. Pulmonary function test is also known as lung functions tests.
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
The removal of organs like bone marrow, blood, and amount of piece of bone. The bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are done by inserting a hollow needle into the hipbone or breastbone. The doctor who does the bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are known as the pathologist who will view the bone marrow, blood, and bone under a microscope to look for signs of cancer.
Once lung cancer is confirmed, then you also need to do other tests because lung cancer cells spread all over the body as well, so you have to check your lymph nodes and other parts. This process is called staging.
Once your lung cancer is diagnosed, and dragging is done, you must visit the doctor and fix the meeting for the further decision of treatment you want to take. Discuss all the treatment options you have with their side effects. The lung cancer cells are treated in different ways according to the lung cancer you have.