How do doctors diagnose non-small cell lung cancer?

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People who notice signs of NSCLC should visit a doctor for a physical exam. These signs may include:

• chest pain
• difficulty breathing and swallowing
• wheezing
• coughing up blood
• an ongoing or persistent cough that may get worse
• appetite and weight loss
• fatigue
• swelling in the face or neck
• hoarseness

During a physical exam, a medical professional will determine which symptoms are present. They may also check for any growths or lumps that may indicate NSCLC.

As part of this initial assessment, a doctor may also evaluate a person’s medical history. Individuals may be at higher risk of developing NSCLC if they have:

• a history of smoking
• exposure to secondhand smoke
• exposure to hazardous substances like arsenic or asbestos
• exposure to radiation
• family members with lung cancer
• certain health conditions, including HIV

Anyone at risk for NSCLC should keep a close eye on their lung health. In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend a person has regular lung cancer screening.

If someone notices NSCLC symptoms, they should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Receiving an early NSCLC diagnosis can improve a person’s outlook.

If a doctor suspects an individual has NSCLC, they will order further lab testing. Some lab tests for NSCLC include:

• blood tests
• urine tests
• sputum cytology
• thoracentesis

Blood tests may involve a complete blood cell count and a comprehensive metabolic panel. Healthcare professionals use these tests to look for markers that may indicate NSCLC.

During the sputum cytology test, a pathologist examines a sample of mucus that a person coughs up. A pathologist looks at this sample under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present.

Finally, a doctor may also recommend thoracentesis. In this procedure, a medical professional takes a sample of fluid located between the lung and the chest. They then use a microscope to look for cancer cells in this sample.

Once a doctor diagnoses NSCLC, they may also recommend a urine test to check for genetic mutations by finding high levels of a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor. This can help identify treatment options.

Certain imaging tests can also help in the process of an NSCLC diagnosis. These tests may include:

• chest X-rays
• PET scans
• CT scans

The first area where doctors perform imaging is typically the chest. But medical professionals may also perform these tests on the upper abdomen and head. These imaging tests may show a doctor where tumors are and whether they have spread beyond the lungs.

For doctors to confirm an NSCLC diagnosis, a biopsy is necessary. There are different types of lung biopsy procedures. During a biopsy, a medical professional removes a tissue sample from a patient’s lungs. They will then evaluate the sample with a microscope to look for signs of cancer.

A tissue biopsy can also help determine the staging of NCSLC. Identifying the NSCLC stage helps doctors develop an effective treatment plan.

The treatment for NSCLC depends on the individual, the NSCLC subtype, and the cancer stage. Some of the most common treatment options include:

• surgery to remove cancerous tissue
• radiation therapy
• chemotherapy
• immunotherapy
• targeted therapy

Some individuals with NSCLC may decide to join a clinical trial. These trials investigate emerging treatments that are not yet available to the public.

People living with NSCLC should speak with their doctor to determine which treatment is best for them. A healthcare professional can provide individual recommendations for treating NSCLC.

The most common type of lung cancer is NSCLC. This form of lung cancer includes a number of subtypes, but the diagnostic process is similar for each.

Initial diagnostic evaluations involve a physical examination and medical history. If they suspect NSCLC, doctors will perform lab tests, imaging tests, and biopsies. These tests help to confirm the presence of NSCLC as well as the cancer stage.

People should speak with their doctor if they think they are experiencing symptoms of NSCLC, or to determine their risk of developing NSCLC. Receiving an early NSCLC diagnosis may improve someone’s recovery outlook.