Neuroendocrine (NET) Carcinoma of the Lung

Tests

• Pulmonary Function Test

  This non-invasive test is performed as part of the initial evaluation of lung cancer patients. It allows us to see how well the lungs are functioning and the quality of your lung tissue to determine if surgery is a viable option. Pulmonary function testing also helps your doctor predict how your lungs will function after surgery.

• Chest X-ray

  This test examines your lungs and chest cavity for abnormalities. It’s frequently used as a screening test for any abnormality that needs to be further characterized.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Chest

  CT scans of the chest provide details about a cancer’s location, characteristics of the tumor(s), and the status of lymph nodes within the chest. It helps your doctor detect any abnormal fluid accumulation within your chest cavity.

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan/CT Scan

  This scan is the standard diagnostic test for lung cancer, which provides valuable information for determining the clinical stage of the lung cancer.

• Octreoscan (Somatostatin Receptor Scintigraphy/SRS)

  This scan locates tumors in your body. Before the scan, you receive an injection of medicine (octreotide) that binds to carcinoid tumors. A special camera detects the areas where the medicine accumulates, which allows your doctor to evaluate the cancer.

• Biopsy

  Getting a small sample of the tumor (biopsy) can be done with a needle or using a surgical core biopsy under image guidance. Our pathologists review the sample under advanced microscopes to determine the cellular characteristics. An intra-operative biopsy can also be performed during a lung cancer surgery to decrease the risk and inconvenience of a pre-operative biopsy using approaches such as thoracoscopy, thoracentesis, mediastinoscopy, and others.

• Bronchoscopy

  Bronchoscopy allows your doctor to look inside your airways for suspicious areas and take a small tissue sample using a thin viewing instrument (bronchoscope). To perform the procedure, your doctor inserts the scope into your nose or mouth to examine your windpipe and lung passages (bronchi and bronchioles).

• Thoracoscopy

  This procedure is used for examining your chest cavity and taking samples of suspicious areas. Your doctor makes a small incision between two ribs and inserts a thin tube with a light (thoracoscope) to perform the procedure.

• Thoracentesis

  During a thoracentesis, your doctor uses a needle to gather fluid from the space between the lining of your chest and your lungs.

• Mediastinoscopy

  This procedure is used to view the lymph nodes below your neck and take samples. Your doctor makes a small incision at the top of your breastbone and inserts a thin, tube-like instrument to do the procedure.

• Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)

  This new technology allows the interventional pulmonologist to look for cancers farther out from the lung and biopsy nodules seen with a CT or MRI scan. It’s useful in visualizing central lymph nodes near the major airways.

• Light Microscopy

  Light microscopy is the use of a high-powered microscope to look at tissue samples for certain changes in cells, which can help diagnose cancer.

• Immunohistochemistry

  This test uses antibodies to look for certain antigens in a tissue sample to diagnose cancer. It can also help your doctor determine the type of cancer you have.

• Tumor Genetic Mutation Analysis

  This test identifies genetic makeup of the tumor to help your doctor predict how your body will respond to treatment, such as targeted therapy medicines.

• Cytologic Exam

  This type of lab evaluation uses a microscope to check cells for any abnormalities or signs of cancer.