Lung cancer is a threatening health concern. In 2020, lung cancer deaths were to the tune of almost 67,000. For early detection of lung cancer, individuals should keep a check on the symptoms. Smoking accounts for almost 80% of lung cancer cases. Thus, it will be ideal if smokers put effort into quitting smoking. If you feel that you are showing certain initial signs of lung cancer, do visit a doctor without hesitation. The further process of lung cancer detection involves the use of screening techniques and then investigations in the laboratory. This article elucidates the process of detecting a near possible lung cancer.
What are the early signs of lung cancer?
Lung cancer self-assessment occurs when an individual is aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. If you doubt having early lung signs, it is best to meet a doctor. In addition, for individuals with high risk, like smokers or whose close relatives have lung cancer, it is ideal to visit a doctor as early as possible. Diagnosis of lung cancer at an early stage is crucial for better cancer treatment and outcome.
The common feature of lung cancer is consistent coughing that doesn’t go away and gets worse. If blood comes while coughing or there is rust-coloured spit, it can be a sign of lung cancer. Chest pain is a prominent feature of lung cancer. It may get worse while coughing, laughing, or deep breathing. There may be hoarseness in the throat. Shortness of breath, loss of appetite, unknown weight loss, and tiredness are other symptoms of lung cancer. Wheezing or infections like pneumonia may also occur.
Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests can help with lung cancer early detection. These tests can screen for breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers. In this test, the technician checks whether the patient’s blood has DNA or proteins specific to cancer. FDA approval for these tests is still pending.
What are the symptoms of advanced lung cancer?
In advanced lung cancer, also called metastatic cancer, the cancerous cells migrate from their primary location to a secondary location in the body. The symptoms become severe at this stage. For example, the patient may develop severe pain rather than dull pain.
Lung cancer may migrate into the lymph nodes and form nodes in the armpit. A highly dangerous lung cancer invasion happens in the brain. Signs may develop like blurry vision, slurred speech, instability, and memory issues. Symptoms develop based on which part of the brain is affected.
When cancerous lung cells enter bones, they cause bone inflammation and pain. Lung cancer can invade other sites, like the liver and adrenal glands. In such cases, the patient may experience abdominal discomfort. It is also important to know these symptoms for lung cancer detection.
Which techniques are best for screening for lung cancer early detection?
Doctors may advise patients to go for any of the following screening tests if they suspect lung cancer:
- Chest X-ray: In a chest X-ray, the machine gives radiation only from one angle. The denser parts look white, while the thinner parts look black in an X-ray image. If a doctor finds something abnormal in the image, he may suggest a second screening method. X-ray has limitations in detecting lung cancer.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans also use X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional views of the body. They take images from various angles and combine them to form the final image. They are superior to chest X-rays and can detect tumour size, shape, and position. However, it may not show the advanced stage of lung cancer.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan: MRI scans use radio waves and strong magnets to create detailed images of soft tissues. They’re often used to check if lung cancer has spread to the brain, spinal cord, or liver.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: During a PET scan for lung cancer detection, a technician injects a special type of radioactive sugar (fluorodeoxyglucose) into the bloodstream. Cancerous cells are more metabolically active and tend to absorb more sugar than healthy cells. This is why it is easy to detect the spread of cancer in the body. Doctors often use PET-CT scanning together for a more detailed stage of lung cancer.
What are the diagnostic tests for lung cancer early detection?
The existing symptoms of the patient and imaging from certain tests may diagnose lung cancer in the patient. However, examining the lung cancerous cells under a microscope in the laboratory makes the actual diagnosis.
There are two ways of taking a sample of lung abnormal tissue or fluid:
- Biopsy: Lung biopsies come in three main types. Needle biopsies use a CT scan to guide a needle through the chest wall for tissue collection. Open lung biopsies involve surgery under general anaesthesia to remove a tissue sample directly. Finally, bronchoscope-assisted biopsies utilize a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light to navigate the airways and collect lung tissue from areas near the main breathing passages.
- Sputum cytology: In this test, technicians check the early morning sputum of the patient for the presence of cancerous cells. It is repeated for three days in a row. Doctors advise this test only if other options are dangerous. Sputum cytology only detects a specific form of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), i.e., squamous cell lung cancer.
If you doubt that you are showing initial symptoms of lung cancer, do not delay your visit to the doctor. Based on the physical symptoms, the doctor would suggest going for a screening test. Furthermore, if screening detects any abnormality, the actual diagnosis is done by biopsy or cytology.
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