When one coughs up mucus from the lungs (also known as sputum), it is examined in the lab to check for cancer cells. It is utilized to determine the origin of cancers in the lung’s major airways.
Thoracentesis is a way to determine if the fluid gathered around the lungs is related to cancer. It involves the insertion of a needle between the ribs to extract the fluid.
The procedure involves using a needle to extract a sample from an area the physician determines questionable. While a surgical incision is not required, the amount of tissue removed is sometimes insufficient for a proper diagnosis.
The procedure involves using a hollow, thin needle to remove aspirate cells and examine for evidence of cancer in the lymph nodes. Transtracheal FNA is carried out through a needle that is passed through the trachea wall.
Core biopsy samples are more voluminous samples drawn from FNA biopsies. It involves the use of a larger needle to remove a small core of tissue.
If the physician suspects the presence of a tumor in the lungs' outer parts, a biopsy needle is inserted through the skin. Local anesthesia may be deployed to numb the target area.
One of the biggest wonders of technology, when it comes to detecting lung cancer early, is the ion robot. The ion robot is a relatively new platform which adopts maneuverable robotic technology to reach the previously inaccessible portions of the lungs. Higher reach implies greater accuracy and a far quicker diagnosis, resulting in better chances of early treatment.
Another big breakthrough in the field of early lung cancer detection is the Auris Health Monarch platform. This is yet another new robotic technology allowing for a low invasive method to detect lung cancer. Another known name for this procedure is robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. This technology allows your surgeon to access deep areas of the lungs to collect sample tissue.
