What medical techniques help diagnose non-small cell lung cancer?

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Anh - Radiologist - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

Non-small cell lung cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the lung. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for about 85% of all lung cancers. Non-small cell lung cancer is classified into 3 types as follows:
Adenocarcinoma: This cancer forms in the alveolar cells, which make mucus and other substances. Adenocarcinoma usually grows more slowly than other lung cancers; Squamous cell cancer: This type of cancer starts in the cells in the air passages inside the lungs; Large cell cancer: This cancer tends to grow and spread quickly, making it difficult to treat.

The exact cause of non-small cell lung cancer is still unknown. However, like other lung diseases, lung cancer often develops in active and passive smokers. Besides, some of the following risk factors can also lead to non-small cell lung cancer:
Radon, asbestos contamination; High exposure to mineral and metal dust; Working and living in an air-polluted environment; Have used radiation therapy to the chest or breast to treat cancer People with HIV/AIDS ; Besides, genetic factors are also related to lung diseases.

When non-small cell lung cancer is suspected, the doctor will ask about the symptoms you are experiencing such as persistent cough or coughing up mucus, chest pain, voice changes, wheezing, weight loss unknown cause and have lung problems such as bronchitis , pneumonia .

In some cases, if the cancer has spread to other parts, the patient may experience symptoms such as bone pain, dizziness and headache, numbness in hands and feet, or symptoms of yellow eyes and skin. In addition, your doctor will use some imaging tests to diagnose non-small cell lung cancer as well as to see if the cancer has spread. Such tests include:
X-rays : This method helps to create pictures of the structure of organs in the body; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): When using an MRI scan, images show blood flow, organs, and structures inside the body. Ultrasound method: Ultrasound creates images thanks to sound waves transmitted into the tissues in the patient's body; PET scan: This method uses radioactive substances or markers to record overactive cells; High-intensity X-ray CT scan: This technique helps to create detailed images of tissues and blood vessels in the lungs; Sputum smear: Sputum smear in the throat to look for cancer cells. This is the most commonly indicated non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis method; Lung biopsy: Uses this technique by using a fine needle to take tissue samples from the fluid inside the lungs or in areas where there are signs of abnormal growth; Bronchoscopy: When applying this technique, the doctor will use a thin, flexible tube with a small camera attached. The doctor then inserts a small sample of tissue through the nose or mouth into the lung to take a small sample of tissue out for examination.

Treatments for non-small cell lung cancer mainly target the cancer cells themselves and help the patient feel better or stop the symptoms of the disease from getting worse. The choice of treatment depends on the type of cancer and its location. Some treatment methods include:
Surgery: If the disease is in its early stages, surgical removal of cancer cells is necessary; Radiation therapy: This is a method of helping to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery. However, in some cases, if it is not possible to remove the malignant tumor with surgery, the doctor will prescribe radiation therapy to limit the progression of the disease; Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a method where drugs are injected into the spinal fluid or a specific organ to target the cancer cells there. Chemotherapy can be given before surgery to help make the tumor smaller, after surgery, or even without surgery; Targeted therapy: This therapy has less effect on healthy cells than radiation and chemotherapy. The drugs and antibodies in targeted therapy stop cancer cells from growing and spreading. Lung cancer screening is the most effective measure for you to detect and promptly treat lung cancer, protecting your health and life. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has a lung cancer screening package with many outstanding advantages such as: A team of highly qualified and experienced doctors; Having a full range of specialized facilities to diagnose the disease and stage it before treatment: Endoscopy, CT scan, PET-CT scan, MRI, histopathological diagnosis, genetic - cytological testing... Having a full range of main cancer treatment methods: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, stem cell transplant.... present illness.