Early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer: choosing the appropriate examination method

Lung cancer, as one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, poses a serious threat to public health. Early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer is crucial to improving cure and survival rates. This article will focus on common methods for early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer to help you better understand and deal with lung cancer.

1. Thin-slice CT scan of the chest

Chest CT examination is an important means of early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer. Thin-layer CT has the characteristics of high resolution and low radiation dose. Through thin-layer CT, small nodules, ground-glass density shadows and other abnormal manifestations in the lungs can be clearly observed, which helps to detect early lung cancer.

2. Sputum cytology examination

Sputum cytology is a simple, non-invasive examination method. By collecting sputum and performing cytological analysis, we can indirectly understand the status of lung lesions. Although its specificity is high, its sensitivity is relatively low due to the influence of various factors. Therefore, it is often used in combination with other examination methods to improve the detection rate of lung cancer.

3. Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is an invasive examination method that can directly observe lesions in the trachea and bronchi and perform pathological diagnosis. Bronchoscopy is of great value for the early diagnosis of lung cancer. In particular, for precancerous lesions and DIPNECH related to squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, bronchoscopy is the main means of detection and diagnosis.

4. Biomarker Screening

Tumor marker detection is one of the commonly used auxiliary detection and diagnosis methods for lung cancer. The combined detection of multiple tumor markers can improve the sensitivity and specificity of lung cancer. In addition, new methods such as lung cancer autoantibody spectrum detection and circulating tumor cells and peripheral blood microRNA detection are also under study, but there is currently a lack of clinical evidence that they are superior to imaging examinations.

Early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer requires the comprehensive use of multiple methods. Chest thin-layer CT, sputum cytology, bronchoscopy and biomarker screening each have their own characteristics, and it is crucial to choose the appropriate examination method according to the specific situation. At the same time, strengthening the prevention and screening of lung cancer and raising awareness and vigilance about lung cancer are also important ways to reduce the incidence and mortality of lung cancer.