PET/CT scan: Often a PET scan is combined with a CT scan using a special machine that can do both at the same time. Positron emission tomography (PET) scanįor a PET scan, a slightly radioactive form of sugar (known as FDG) is injected into the blood and collects mainly in cancer cells. MRI scans are most often used to look for possible spread of lung cancer to the brain or spinal cord.
But MRI scans use radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays. Like CT scans, MRI scans show detailed images of soft tissues in the body. This test can also be used to look for masses in the adrenal glands, liver, brain, and other organs that might be due to the lung cancer spread.ĬT-guided needle biopsy: If a suspected area of cancer is deep within your body, a CT scan might be used to guide a biopsy needle into this area to get a tissue sample to check for cancer. It can also show the size, shape, and position of any lung tumors and can help find enlarged lymph nodes that might contain cancer that has spread. Instead of taking 1 or 2 pictures, like a regular x-ray, a CT scanner takes many pictures and a computer then combines them to show a slice of the part of your body being studied.Ī CT scan is more likely to show lung tumors than routine chest x-rays. Computed tomography (CT) scanĪ CT scan uses x-rays to make detailed cross-sectional images of your body. If something suspicious is seen, your doctor may order more tests. To look for possible signs of cancer coming back after treatmentĪ chest x-ray is often the first test your doctor will do to look for any abnormal areas in the lungs.To help determine if treatment is working.To learn how far cancer might have spread.To look at suspicious areas that might be cancer.Imaging tests might be done for a number of reasons both before and after a diagnosis of lung cancer, including: Imaging tests use x-rays, magnetic fields, sound waves, or radioactive substances to create pictures of the inside of your body. These could include imaging tests and/or biopsies of the lung.
If the results of your history and physical exam suggest you might have lung cancer, more tests will be done. Your doctor will also examine you to look for signs of lung cancer or other health problems. Your doctor will ask about your medical history to learn about your symptoms and possible risk factors.
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