What is the most accurate test for early detection of lung cancer?
Feb 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Introduction
Generally, early-stage lung cancer can be screened through low-dose chest CT scans. When imaging studies suggest a high likelihood of malignant lung lesions, further pathological examination is required. This may involve obtaining tissue samples via methods such as fiberoptic bronchoscopic biopsy, percutaneous lung biopsy, or thoracoscopic biopsy.
Generally, early-stage lung cancer can be screened through low-dose chest CT scans.
Low-dose chest CT can detect pulmonary nodules around 2 to 5 millimeters in size. If abnormalities are found in the lungs, blood tests for three tumor markers related to lung cancer should also be performed. If these markers are elevated and the patient has high-risk factors—such as smoking—the likelihood of lung cancer can be preliminarily assessed. In such cases, surgical removal may be considered. For individuals with high-risk factors, especially those over 40 years old, it is recommended to undergo a chest CT scan annually to rule out the possibility of early-stage lung cancer.
When imaging suggests a high probability of malignancy in the lung lesion, further pathological examination is required. This may involve obtaining tissue samples via methods such as fiberoptic bronchoscopic biopsy, percutaneous lung biopsy, or thoracoscopic biopsy, with final confirmation of lung cancer achieved through pathological analysis. Patients experiencing respiratory symptoms such as cough or hemoptysis should promptly undergo chest CT examinations to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
