Lung Cancer Staging: An Overview
If the doctor makes a
lung cancer diagnosis, he or she will want to determine the stage (or extent) of the cancer.
Lung cancer staging is conducted to find out whether lung cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body.
Tests for Lung Cancer Staging
Lung cancer staging helps the doctor plan treatment. Some tests used to determine whether the cancer has spread include:
- CT scan
- MRI
- Radionuclide scanning
- Bone scan
- Mediastinoscopy/mediastinotomy
- PET scan.
CAT (or CT) Scan
A CT scan (computed tomography) uses a computer linked to an x-ray machine to create a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body.
MRI
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a powerful magnet linked to a computer to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body.
Radionuclide Scanning
Radionuclide scanning can show whether cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver. The patient swallows or receives an injection of a mildly radioactive substance. A machine (scanner) measures and records the level of radioactivity in certain organs to reveal abnormal areas.
Bone Scan
A bone scan (one type of radionuclide scanning) can show whether cancer has spread to the bones. A small amount of radioactive substance is injected into a vein. It then travels through the bloodstream and collects in areas of abnormal bone growth. An instrument called a scanner measures the radioactivity levels in these areas and records them on x-ray film.
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