HOW TO DETECT METASTASIS OF LUNG CANCER?
Metastasis of lung cancer is present in over 50 percent of patients at the time of the diagnosis of the lung cancer. Mediastinoscopy, or looking into the central portion of the chest through a small incision made just below the collar line, is used to sample the lymph nodes in the central portion of the chest (mediastinum). This helps evaluate the extent of the tumor. If the cancer has spread to these lymph nodes, the chance of surgically curing the lung cancer is eliminated. Bone metastasis is suggested by bone pain or abnormal blood tests (elevated serum calcium, or elevated alkaline phosphatase). X-rays or bone scans are used to evaluate the areas suspected of being cancerous. Liver metastasis may result in pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen, swelling of the abdomen, or abnormal blood tests of the liver. The diagnosis can be made by liver ultrasound and CT scan. Brain and spinal cord metastasis can occur with or without neurological symptoms. CA and MRI scans of the brai
