Your cancer's stage helps you and your doctor decide what treatment is most appropriate. Once your lung cancer has been diagnosed, your doctor will work to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. Tests to determine the extent of the cancer Results of sophisticated testing can tell your doctor the specific characteristics of your cells that can help determine your prognosis and guide your treatment. Mediastinoscopy, in which an incision is made at the base of your neck and surgical tools are inserted behind your breastbone to take tissue samples from lymph nodes is also an option.Īnother option is needle biopsy, in which your doctor uses X-ray or CT images to guide a needle through your chest wall and into the lung tissue to collect suspicious cells.Ī biopsy sample may also be taken from lymph nodes or other areas where cancer has spread, such as your liver.Ĭareful analysis of your cancer cells in a lab will reveal what type of lung cancer you have. Your doctor can perform a biopsy in a number of ways, including bronchoscopy, in which your doctor examines abnormal areas of your lungs using a lighted tube that's passed down your throat and into your lungs. A sample of abnormal cells may be removed in a procedure called a biopsy. If you have a cough and are producing sputum, looking at the sputum under the microscope can sometimes reveal the presence of lung cancer cells. A CT scan can reveal small lesions in your lungs that might not be detected on an X-ray. An X-ray image of your lungs may reveal an abnormal mass or nodule. If there's reason to think that you may have lung cancer, your doctor can order a number of tests to look for cancerous cells and to rule out other conditions. Together you can decide whether lung cancer screening is right for you. Discuss your lung cancer risk with your doctor.
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