Several diagnostic tests may be ordered to evaluate whether you have lung cancer and what stage (definition) it is. Doctors may also order tests to evaluate the condition of your lungs and/or heart. The following are some commonly ordered tests:
- Chest X-Ray A chest x-ray (CXR) is an x-ray image of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm. It looks like the negative of a photograph. This test is performed in our hospital's radiology department. Two views are usually taken: one in which the x-rays pass through the chest from the back (posterior-anterior view), and one in which the x-rays pass through the chest from one side to the other (lateral view). You stand in front of the x-ray machine and must hold your breath when the x-ray is taken.
- CT Scan Computed tomography, also called computerized axial tomography (CAT), is an x-ray imaging technique that produces pictures of slices or cross-sections through the body. It is used to tell the size of a tumor, whether the lymph nodes are enlarged, or whether other organs of the body are affected. For more information, click here.
- MRI Magnetic resonance imaging uses a strong magnet and radio waves to make images of the body. It is often useful to see if cancer has spread (metastasized) to the brain. For more information, please click here.
- PET Scan Positron emission tomography is an imaging technique in which a form of sugar with a radioactive tracer is injected into the patient, and then a special camera takes pictures. Cells that are highly metabolic, such as cancer cells, take up this sugar and show up as "hot spots." These images are useful in providing an indication of whether the tumor is cancerous or whether the lymph nodes (see above) are involved. For more information, click here.
- Pulmonary Function Test This test (also known as PFT) is a breathing test that measures how well your lungs are working. For more information, click here.
- Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Test This test (also known as CPET) is performed to evaluate your lung function in relationship to your heart. For more information, click here.
- Cardiac Stress Test This test is performed to evaluate the condition of your heart. You may be asked to do the form of the test in which you run on a treadmill; or the form in which a medication is given to you through an IV line (intra-venous; into a vein), after which special x-rays are often taken of your heart. For more information, click here.
To learn more:
Biopsy Techniques for Cancer
Interventional Pulmonology
Lung Cancer Management Team