Screening usually consist of regularly scheduled chest x-rays, especially in patients at high risk for lung carcinoma. A malignant neoplastic growth appears as an opacity on radiologic film. When such a spot appears in a patient’s lungs, the next step is to obtain a sample to determine its nature. This can be done by taking a sample of bronchial cells through endoscopic brushing. These cells are then submitted to the cytology lab for evaluation and interpretation.

Negative cytologic findings do not necessarily rule out malignancy. If the patient displays other worrisome signs, such as changes in surrounding lymph nodes, or blood tests that indicate something is amiss constitutionally, a biopsy of lung tissue may be performed.

Biopsies can be removed in a number of ways depending upon the advice of a licensed surgeon and the nature of the suspicious tumor. An endoscope may be directed into the lungs, where the scope is used to remove a small sample of tissue. If a suspected tumor is large enough to warrant its complete removal, the surgeon may opt to remove a wedge of lung that includes the affected area, as well as surrounding, supposedly healthy lung tissue to serve as margins and to explore the invasiveness of the tumor.

A wedge biopsy may require the removal of portions of ribs in order for the surgeon to gain access to the lung. The lung is intimate with several groups of lymph nodes located in the chest cavity. With the lung exposed, a surgeon may decide to remove more than one wedge resection if other suspicious areas are exposed. Likewise, the surgeon may remove the associated lymph nodes to determine if cancer is spreading elsewhere in the body.

Because all blood passes through the lungs, a tumor located within them has a high chance of spreading. Lung cancer is particularly pernicious and malignant because the blood and lymphatic system can carry cancerous mutations elsewhere. This is why the complete eradication of lung cancer is the treatment of choice, in order to avoid potential, future complications and reoccurrence. A combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are mustered to bring about remission, followed by frequent monitoring after the goal is achieved.

Quitting smoking and reducing exposure to environmental contaminants will reduce the chances of contracting lung cancer. Coughing blood is a sign that a physician should be contacted.