Navigating Lung Cancer Navigating Lung Cancer | Page 20

NAVIGATING LUNG CANCER
Needle Biopsies. If a CT scan shows a suspicious mass or nodule or possible tumor,
radiologists can use a CT scan to biopsy the abnormality. Samples can be taken
through small or large needles in order to provide sufficient material for diagnosis.
Surgical lung biopsy. Depending on the location of the suspected abnormality or
tumor, surgery is sometimes best for getting a good tissue sample.
Ultra sound Guided Thoracentesis. This test may be done if there is an abnormal
fluid collection between the chest wall and the lung, an area known as the pleura.
(pleural effusion also describes fluid collection from the pleura.) In this test, the fluid
is found in real time with an ultrasound machine. The location is marked and the skin
on the chest is thoroughly numbed. A needle is inserted into the space around the
lung. Fluid is removed. It is sent to the lab to check for cancer.
Medical thoracoscopy. This test may be done to biopsy the inside layer of the
chest. This is called the pleura. It is when thoracentesis does not provide a diagnosis.
It is done under monitored anesthesia and ultrasound guidance. A small camera
is inserted into the chest cavity. The pleura is inspected and biopsied. The test is
safe and accurate. Patients may go home the same day. It may also relieve, the
symptoms of fluid through a modality of techniques at the same time.
Biomarker testing. Tumor tissue from a biopsy can be tested for certain
features of cancer cells, or biomarkers. This gives specific information about the
tumor. Biomarker testing gives doctors more information about your lung cancer.
Personalized information is important. All lung cancers are not the same. Biomarker
testing helps your doctor decide which treatment is best for you.
These tests not only identify the lung cancer, but also help determine the stage.
This helps your health-care team plan your treatment.
18