Yes. Both pneumonia and lung cancer may look similar in computed tomography (CT) scans. This similarity can prevent doctors from being able to confirm lung cancer diagnosis using only a CT scan. In such a scenario, the CT scan report only leads to a suspicion of lung cancer, which needs further follow-up confirmatory tests. To confirm the CT scan report, a doctor may analyse physical signs and symptoms and conduct a biopsy to confirm the tumour and further imaging to find the extent of spread.
Other imaging tools like positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help identify the lung cancer stage. The imaging tool for lung cancer diagnosis varies from person to person. The doctor selects the most suitable one depending on each case.
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