What tests and procedures are used to stage lung cancer?
Imaging tests In lung cancer, x-rays, CT (computed tomography, also called CAT) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, and PET (positron emission tomography) scans are used to find out more about the cancer. These tests can show where the cancer is, what the tumor(s) looks like, the size of the tumor(s), whether the cancer has spread and, if so, how far. For more information on imaging and early disease management of lung cancer visit LCA’s Early Interventions Resource Center. Pathology reports In lung cancer, biopsies typically provide information for pathology reports. Biopsies may include information about the size of the tumor and growth into other tissues and organs, the type of lung cancer, and the grade of the tumor. Using cells that been coughed up from the lungs, sputum cytology may identify the presence of lung cancer and can tell what type it is but cannot show where the tumor is or the extent of the cancer so follow-up tests are needed. Surgical biopsy Surgery can g
