Last Updated: April 2026
It is my usual and customary practice to order a complete blood count and a panel of blood chemistry tests, as well as a blood level of the carcinoembryonic agent (CEA).
A chest x-ray and a computerized tomogram (CT) of the chest are important.
One of the biggest problems in treating lung cancer is that patients with lung cancer are almost always cigarette smokers, and cigarettes not only cause cancer, they also cause chronic bronchitis and emphysema as well as cardiovascular disease. For this reason, we do pulmonary function testing (PFTs) on all patients. If the patient has a severe reduction in PFT, surgery may not be safe, or the amount of lung that can be resected may be limited.
In a similar fashion, it is important in some cases to test cardiac function to be sure that there is no significant coronary artery disease that would increase the risk of surgery.
Arterial blood gases, pulmonary function tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG) need to be done.
This is the basic workup.
Depending on the results of the history and physical examination and the basic workup, other tests may be indicated, including
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- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain
- bone scan
- exercise pulmonary function testing
- a quantitative ventilation-perfusion lung scan
- treadmill exercise test
- doppler echocardiogram
- carotid doppler ultrasound
Another new test that is increasingly useful in the workup of pulmonary masses is the PET scan. This test uses an isotope of glucose to visualize the tendency of growing tumors to metabolize more glucose than normal tissues. PET scan can be used to help determine whether a spot on the lung is a cancer, and if a cancer, to determine whether i it has metastasized to other parts of the body. This test is still new, and doctors do not yet know how accurate is or what role it will play in the work-up of lung cancers. One thing that is sure is that the test is showing us areas of tumor, in some cases, that we could not otherwise find using older technology.
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Why This Matters
Understanding Health properly can make a significant difference in how you approach related decisions. Staying up to date with reliable information ensures you are always making the best choice possible.
Key Takeaways
- Always verify information from trusted sources before acting on it.
- Updates in this area happen frequently — bookmark this page for the latest.
- Share this with someone who might find it useful.
What to Do Next
Now that you have a better understanding of this topic, take a moment to explore related content on our site. You will find more in-depth guides, tips, and updated information that can help you further.
Why This Matters
Understanding Health helps you make better decisions. Always rely on current, trusted sources for the latest information.
Key Takeaways
- Bookmark this page — it gets updated regularly.
- Share it with someone who might find it helpful.
- Leave a comment if you have questions.
