How is lung cancer diagnosed?

Cancer is a word that nobody wants to hear. Sadly, though, many Michigan residents find themselves inflicted with the disease. As scary as this may sound, many forms of cancer can be effectively treated if they are caught early enough. However, this requires a prompt and accurate diagnosis, which requires a medical professional to live up to his responsibility. Failing to do so could lead to a worsened medical condition and a decreased chance of survival, thereby negatively impacting an individual’s quality of life.

One type of cancer that must be detected early if it is to be treated effectively is lung cancer. There are many tests that may detect lung cancer. Imaging tests like an X-ray can help detect questionable masses, and a CT scan may show smaller lesions that are missed by an X-ray. If a patient has a cough that produces sputum, then that sputum can be examined to determine if there are lung cancer cells present. A biopsy of the suspicious mass may be removed and tested, too. This is known as a biopsy.

If lung cancer is detected, then a medical professional must determine how advanced the disease is in order to develop a course of treatment. Other imaging tests, such as a MRI or a PET scan, may help determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Only then can a doctor determine how best to attack the disease. If the cancer is in its early stages, then it may be more likely beaten back by aggressive courses of treatment.

Of course, effectively treating cancer requires early detection, which means doctors need to order the appropriate tests and accurately read the test results. Failing to do so can result in tragic consequences from which an individual cannot recover. In these circumstances, though, it may be wise for these affected patients to consider a medical malpractice lawsuit in order to impose liability. This then could hopefully help them recover compensation for damages suffered.