Can I Get Checked for Lung Cancer Before I Have Symptoms?
Screening is the search for cancer in people who do not have any
symptoms. At this time, some doctors may recommend testing in
people who are at higher risk for lung cancer, such as current
or former smokers, but not all doctors agree on this. No
screening guidelines are available for symptomless people who
have no lung cancer risk factors, and, therefore, screening
isn't generally recommended. There are three ways that doctors
may try to screen for lung cancer: Sputum cytology test Spiral
CT scans Sputum cytology test For this test, you use a special
jar to collect a sample of the mucus that you cough up, usually
on a few mornings in a row, and take it to your doctor. Then,
it’s checked for cancer cells under a microscope. Not all types
of lung cancer will show cancer cells in the sputum. This
imaging test produces a picture of the organs within the chest.
It gives a two-dimensional picture of the lungs. Spiral computed
tomography scan This test is ca