Tests for lung cancer

Usual tests:

• Chest x-ray
• Bronchoscopy and biopsy of abnormal areas
• Biopsy and cytology - Histological examination of biopsy specimen gives pathological type of lung cancer
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan
• Blood tests
• Bone scan

These tests may be used in some cases:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan sometimes
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning especially to look for lymph nodes affected by cancer in the chest during staging investigations.
• Mediastinoscopy - keyhole surgery of the chest used to look at the lymph nodes around the root of the lungs.

• Types of imaging investigation

Amended June 2008