Lung cancer is a serious condition that’s important to catch early. But it can be tough to know when to get imaging tests to check for it. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand your options.
- LDCT. If you have no symptoms but are at high risk of getting lung cancer due to smoking history, age, or other factors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening. This test uses a low dose of X-ray to scan your lungs and can catch lung cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.
- X-ray. If you’re already experiencing symptoms of lung cancer, like a new cough that won’t go away, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, or losing weight without trying, your doctor might suggest other imaging tests. One common test is a chest X-ray, which is quick and painless. It takes an image of your chest using X-rays to see if there are any signs of abnormal growths or other signs of lung cancer.
- MRI. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is a test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your lungs and other parts of your body. MRIs are usually used to check if lung cancer has spread to other parts of your body like the brain or bones.
Image Source: Freepik - Tissue Sample or Biopsy. If your doctor thinks you might have lung cancer, they might do a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of lung tissue to look for cancer cells. They might use different methods to do this, like a bronchoscopy or mediastinoscopy, which involves inserting a tube into your nose or mouth and down into your lungs or chest.
Image Source: Freepik
It’s important to remember that the decision to use imaging tests will depend on different things, like your age, overall health, and medical history. Your oncologist or multidisciplinary team will work with you to figure out the best plan for you.
So, if you’re experiencing symptoms of lung cancer or are at high risk, talk to your oncologist about getting tested. The earlier you catch lung cancer, the better chances you have of a successful treatment.
Sources:
- Lung Cancer, CDC
- Lung Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment, Mayo Clinic
- Lung Cancer: Symptoms and Causes, Mayo Clinic
