[b]Decatur, TX[/b] – As with any other disease, early detection of lung cancer offers a better chance of treatment.It is very important to get annuallung cancer screening for those considered at a high risk of getting lung cancer. Doctors may suggest this screening to those that are 55 years and older and have a history of prolonged heavy smoking even if they look healthy. Patients should be easily able to assess their risk with the help of their doctor. This will help decide whether screening is appropriate for them or not.

“[b]Lung cancer comes either as small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer[/b]. One spreads faster than the other and that is where early diagnosis makes a difference”, says Dr. Mabanta. “Diagnosis is the first step to beating it.”

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Imaging tests – An X-ray image of the lungs can show the presence of an abnormal mass or nodule. A CT scan can show small lesions that an X-ray may not detect.

• Sputum cytology – Sputum is the thick liquid that one may cough up when they have a serious cough. An analysis of this sputum under the microscope can sometimes tell whether there are cancer cells in the lungs.

• Tissue sample – Doctors also check for abnormal cells by taking a tissue sample known as a biopsy. This can be done in various ways such as a bronchoscopy, where the doctor passes a lighted tube down the throat and into the lungs to examine the lungs or a needle biopsy where the doctor uses CT or X-ray images to pass a needle into lung tissue to scrape and collect suspicious cells.Doctors can also do a mediastinoscopy where the doctor makes an incision at the base of the neck and inserts a thin-lighted tube into the chest to collect tissue samples.

“The results of diagnostic tests form the basis of the treatment method to be prescribed”, adds Dr. Mabanta. “It is important that they be accurate to avoid misdiagnosis, which is a waste of precious time that can be used to save the patient.”

[b]About North Texas Cancer Center at Wise[/b]

North Texas Cancer Center at Wise, a division of Choice Cancer Care, is now operating as the Cancer Center at Wise Regional and is one of the most renowned cancer treatment centers in Texas. The center unites some of the best cancer doctors and surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. Our expert team delivers superior cancer treatment in Texas, with the best results available.