Non small cell lung cancer diagnostic study of choice

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Furqan M M. M.B.B.S[2]

Overview

Chest X-Ray is the initial study which is performed when non-small cell lung cancer is suspected. Lung CT scan is the diagnostic study of choice for the diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer. Endobronchial ultrasound is a first-line diagnostic modality for mediastinal staging of the non-small cell lung cancer. The lung biopsy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of the non-small cell lung cancer. The lung biopsy helps to differentiate between the various subtypes of lung cancer.

Diagnostic Study of Choice

Study of choice

Chest X-Ray is the initial study performed when non small cell lung cancer is suspected. However, Computed tomography is the diagnostic study of choice for the diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer. On CT, characteristic findings of non-small cell lung cancer include:[1]

  • Lung adenocarcinomas are typically peripherally located
  • Usually measure <4 cm in diameter, very few show cavitation
  • Perihilar and mediastinal involvement
  • Ground glass opacity (slow growth), usually lesions double the size within a year
  • Subtype of adenocarcinoma
  • Single pulmonary nodule or mass
  • Multicentric or diffuse disease
  • Localized area of parenchymal consolidation
  • Bubble-like areas of low attenuation within the mass are a characteristic finding
  • Hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy is uncommon
  • Persistent peripheral consolidation with associated nodules
  • Centrally located within the lung
  • Usually measure larger than 4 cm in diameter
  • Frequent cavitation
  • Commonly cause segmental or lobar lung collapse due to central location
  • Rapid growth
  • Early metastasizes to the mediastinum and brain
  • Large mediastinal nodules/masses
  • Lymph node involvement (frequently subcarinal)
  • Nodular pleural thickening
  • Pleural effusion
  • The CT scan should be performed when the following is required:
  • Assessment of the main bronchi
  • Evaluation of the entire thorax
  • Detection of chest wall invasion
  • Assessment of hilar and mediastinal invasion/adenopathy
  • Determination of non-small cell lung cancer staging
  • Precise determination of size and tumor dimensions
  • Detection of liver, bone, adrenal , and brain metastasis

Diagnostic modality for staging

Endobronchial ultrasound is a first-line diagnostic modality for mediastinal staging.The sensitivity of endobronchial ultrasound is 90% and specificity is 97%.[2][3]

  • On ultrasound (endobronchial ultrasound), characteristic findings of non-small cell lung cancer include:
  • The endobronchial ultrasound should be performed when the following is required:
  • Evaluation of lymph nodes and other structures in the mediastinum
  • Mediastinal invasion staging
  • Determination of management strategy
  • Real time evaluation of structures

Gold standard

  • Lung biopsy is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer.
Diagnostic results

The diagnostic result of lung biopsy is confirmatory of non-small cell lung cancer and depends on the type of cancer. Click here to view the biopsy findings of the subtypes.

Sequence of Diagnostic Studies

The sequence of the diagnostic studies depends upon the stage of cancer. Click here to view detailed sequential management of different stages.

References

  1. Kundel HL (1981). "Predictive value and threshold detectability of lung tumors". Radiology. 139 (1): 25–9. doi:10.1148/radiology.139.1.7208937. PMID 7208937.
  2. Kinsey CM, Arenberg DA (2014). "Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration for non-small cell lung cancer staging". Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 189 (6): 640–9. doi:10.1164/rccm.201311-2007CI. PMID 24484269.
  3. Tests for non-small cell lung cancer. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/lungcancer-non-smallcell/detailedguide/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-diagnosis Accessed on February 25, 2016

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