How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?

If the doctor suspects cancer, he or she will:

Read about your medical history

Perform a physical examination

Order of specialized medical tests

As part of taking your medical history, your doctor will ask about:

Whether you smoke or have smoked in the past

Your occupation

Whether you have been exposed to certain substances or radiation industrial

Whether you have a family history of lung cancer

Medical tests that can be performed:

X-ray. This is the first and crucial test will be ordered.

CT or MRI. These tests are highly skilled with computer-generated images showing the divisions and other views of the lungs.

Sputum tests. This is a study under a microscope, a sample of mucus you cough. If an abnormality seen on a radiograph is suggestive of a cancer, a sputum test to be ordered. Although this test is generally not as sensitive as biopsy, in many cases, microscopic examination of expectorated cells will reveal cancer.

Biopsy. This removal of the sample of body tissue examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the most common way that a doctor can be absolutely certain that lung cancer is present. A doctor who specializes in analysis of the tissue (a pathologist) will then be able to see what kind of cell growth and cancer cells that it is