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Just Diagnosed With Lung Cancer

What tests are used to find a lung tumor?

There are many tests used to find a lung tumor and diagnose cancer. You may have already had some of these tests, or you may have them in the future. These tests may include:

  • Physical exam
  • An x-ray of your chest
  • Tests of your blood or urine, of the mucus in your lungs, or of the fluid that is within your chest
  • PET or CT (CAT) scan or MRI
  • Biopsy
  • A test called a bronchoscopy, during which a tiny camera goes in the mouth or nose so a healthcare provider can look at the inside of your windpipe (trachea and lungs

Talk with your healthcare provider about the tests you may need.

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What is lung cancer staging?

After you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, your healthcare team will figure out the stage of the tumor. Lung cancer staging is based on:

  • The type of lung cancer cells found during a biopsy and described in a pathology report
  • The size of the tumor
  • If the cancer is only in the lung or has spread to another part of the body, such as the lymph nodes

The stage of the tumor, as well as the results of the pathology report, are used to help choose the treatment option that is right for you.

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What is a pathology report?

When a piece of tissue is taken from the body (a biopsy), it is examined by a type of doctor called a pathologist. He or she then writes a report about the findings. This is called a pathology report. It will tell your healthcare team about the type of cells found in the tumor. Be sure to ask your healthcare team to give you a copy of the report and review it with you. And ask any questions you have about the results. Those results are used, along with the stage of the tumor, to help choose the treatment option that is right for you.

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