Types of Cancer > Lung Cancer > Diagnosis

Lung Cancer Diagnosis

There are two major types of primary lung cancer: non-small cell and small cell. Each type affects different lung cells and grows and spreads in different ways, which impacts the type of treatment prescribed. The most common type of lung cancer is non-small lung cancer, which is generally associated with a history of smoking. Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 20 percent of lung cancer cases.

Imaging Tests
Physicians use several techniques to diagnose lung cancer, including chest x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission testing (PET) to locate abnormal areas of the lung and determine the extent of the disease.

Low Dose Computed Tomography
Low dose computed tomography can detect very small tumors in the lung. Greenwich Hospital is taking part in the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP) to determine whether early lung screenings using low dose computed tomography can reduce deaths from lung cancer. See Lung Cancer Screening in the Clinical Trials & Research section of this web site.

Combined PET/CT Scans
Combined PET/CT technology provides enhanced capabilities for imaging lung cancer, which can be difficult to identify on a typical CT scan. This technique can provide critical, detailed information about the tumor to develop a superior treatment plan.

For a complete list of imaging resources available at Greenwich Hospital, see the Radiology Services section of this web site.

Bronchoscopy
Doctors may remove tissue samples using a procedure called bronchoscopy, which examines the bronchial passages.

Biopsy
A biopsy or fine needle aspiration to gather tissue samples may be performed to examine areas of the lungs that are not accessible during a bronchoscopy.