A solid diagnosis of cancer may require biopsies, blood work and bone or CT scans.
Recognizing lung cancer symptoms early on can motivate the individual to visit the doctor and get tested.
These issues are associated with other illnesses and health problems as well.
Only proper testing can confirm the presence of cancer.
General Common complaints related to lung cancer include: -Persistent or recurring cough.
-Blood in the mucus.
-Frequent or persistent pain in the chest.
-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
-A cough that expels blood.
As the disease progresses unchecked, additional symptoms may include: -A scratchy or hoarse voice.
-Frequent and draining fatigue.
-Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss.
-Recurring lung infections.
Assessment If persistent symptoms exist, the doctor will perform progressively more invasive tests until the cause is discovered.
A general physical exam is the first step.
A physical assesses general fitness and health and will check for the presence of fluid.
The liver and lymph nodes will be checked for swelling also.
During the examination, medical and family history will be taken to identify potential contributing factors.
Chest x-rays of the patient will be taken to look for fluid or tumors in the lungs.
When these methods are not successful at revealing a suspected problem, a CT scan may be ordered.
The CT scanner reveals greater detail of chest and lung tissue.
A biopsy sample is removed for testing if abnormalities are found.
Testing for Cancer Biopsies are samples of potentially infected tissue.
A pathologist views the sample under a microscope to discover if the tissue is cancerous.
Samples may be taken using one of the following methods: -the sputum of the lungs -the pleural fluid in the chest cavity -with a bronchoscope inserted through the mouth or nose -with surgery to open the chest Tests will reveal if cancer is present and if so, what type.
Different types require different approaches to treatment.
Small cell carcinoma, which account for nearly thirteen percent of cases, metastasizes quickly and requires the most aggressive course of treatment.
The non-small cell type accounts for the majority of cancers that begin in the lungs.
Although its spread is slower, early detection is the key to survival.
Recognizing lung cancer symptoms early on can motivate the individual to visit the doctor and get tested.
These issues are associated with other illnesses and health problems as well.
Only proper testing can confirm the presence of cancer.
General Common complaints related to lung cancer include: -Persistent or recurring cough.
-Blood in the mucus.
-Frequent or persistent pain in the chest.
-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
-A cough that expels blood.
As the disease progresses unchecked, additional symptoms may include: -A scratchy or hoarse voice.
-Frequent and draining fatigue.
-Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss.
-Recurring lung infections.
Assessment If persistent symptoms exist, the doctor will perform progressively more invasive tests until the cause is discovered.
A general physical exam is the first step.
A physical assesses general fitness and health and will check for the presence of fluid.
The liver and lymph nodes will be checked for swelling also.
During the examination, medical and family history will be taken to identify potential contributing factors.
Chest x-rays of the patient will be taken to look for fluid or tumors in the lungs.
When these methods are not successful at revealing a suspected problem, a CT scan may be ordered.
The CT scanner reveals greater detail of chest and lung tissue.
A biopsy sample is removed for testing if abnormalities are found.
Testing for Cancer Biopsies are samples of potentially infected tissue.
A pathologist views the sample under a microscope to discover if the tissue is cancerous.
Samples may be taken using one of the following methods: -the sputum of the lungs -the pleural fluid in the chest cavity -with a bronchoscope inserted through the mouth or nose -with surgery to open the chest Tests will reveal if cancer is present and if so, what type.
Different types require different approaches to treatment.
Small cell carcinoma, which account for nearly thirteen percent of cases, metastasizes quickly and requires the most aggressive course of treatment.
The non-small cell type accounts for the majority of cancers that begin in the lungs.
Although its spread is slower, early detection is the key to survival.