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Tests could include:
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Cytodiagnosis
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Fine needle aspiration biopsy
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You will be asked if you smoke, and if so, how long you have smoked.When listening to the chest with a stethoscope, the health care provider can sometimes hear fluid around the lungs. This could(but does not always) suggest cancer.Small cell lung ...
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If lung cancer is suspected, the doctor will take a detailed medical history that checks both symptoms and risk factors. During a complete physical examination, the doctor will examine the patient's throat to rule out other possible causes of hoa...
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If lung cancer is suspected, the doctor will take a detailed medical history that checks both symptoms and risk factors. During a complete physical examination, the doctor will examine the patient's throat to rule out other possible causes of hoa...
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Bronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.A bronchoscope is a device used to see the inside of the lungs.
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Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a cylindrical fiberoptic scope is inserted into the airways. This scope contains a viewing device that allows the visual examination of the lower airways.During a bronchoscopy, a physician can visually examine ...
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Call your doctor if you have shortness of breath, a temperature above 101.0° F for more than 24 hours, or bleeding from your nose or throat. If you have chest pain or severe shortness of breath, call right away.
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Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a hollow, flexible tube called a bronchoscope is inserted into the airways through the nose or mouth to provide a view of the tracheobronchial tree. It can also be used to collect bronchial and/or lung secretio...
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Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a cylindrical fiberoptic scope is inserted into the airways. This scope contains a viewing device that allows the visual examination of the lower airways.During a bronchoscopy, a physician can visually examine ...
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Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a hollow, flexible tube is inserted into the airways(nose or mouth). The bronchoscope is inserted through the nose(or mouth) provides a view of the tracheobronchial tree and can be used to collect bronchial and...
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During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient''s body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems.
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Bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy is a procedure in which a thin, lighted tube(bronchoscope) is inserted through the nose or mouth to collect several pieces of lung tissue.A lung specialist(pulmonologist) sprays a numbing medicine(anesthetic...
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A lung needle biopsy is a method to remove a piece of lung tissue for examination.Transthoracic needle aspiration; Percutaneous needle aspiration.A chest x-ray or chest CT scan may be used to find the exact spot for the biopsy. If the biopsy is do...
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Biopsy is the process of taking a sample of tissue from the body for analysis. CT is commonly used in biopsies to provide images that help guide the tools or equipment necessary to perform the biopsy to the appropriate area of the body.CT is used ...
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A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.Chest radiography; Serial chest x-ray; X-ray- chest.The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider''s office by an x-...
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A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs, heart, small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland and the bones of the chest ar...
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Detailed information on chest x-rays, including reasons for the procedure X-rays are made by using low levels of external radiation to produce images of the body, the organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body structures onto specially treated plates (similar to camera film) and a "negative" type picture is made. The more solid a structure is, the whiter it appears on the film. For this reason, bones appear very white on an x-ray film, but less dense tissue such as muscle, blood, skin, and fat appears darker.
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A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs, heart, small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland, and the bones of the chest a...
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A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs, heart, small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, and the bones of the chest area.
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A chest tomogram is a picture of the chest area created by moving the x-ray machine in one direction while moving the recording film the other way. This method blurs structures in front of and behind the area of the chest being studied.
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Computed tomography(CT) of the chest is performed to diagnose a variety of symptoms, including vascular, cardiac, airway disease as well as cancers that can occur in the thoracic region of the body.The purpose of the CT scan is to noninvasively an...
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Cytology is the examination of individual cells and small clusters of cells, and may be used for the diagnosis and screening of diseases, including cancers. Cytology can also be referred to as cytopathology.Diagnostic tests are used to detect a di...
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A sputum analysis is a group of tests performed in a laboratory on a sputum specimen obtained from a sick patient. A portion of the sputum specimen is stained and put on a slide for examination of cells and organisms.
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Carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) is a protein normally found in the tissue of developing baby in the womb. Blood levels of this protein disappear or become very low after birth.
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The carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) test is a laboratory blood study. CEA is a substance which is normally found only during fetal development, but may reappear in adults who develop certain types of cancer.The CEA test is ordered for patients with ...
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Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the body using a flexible tube that has a small camera on the end of it. This instrument is called an endoscope.There are many types of endoscopes.
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Tumor markers are a group of proteins, hormones, enzymes, receptors, and other cellular products that are overexpressed(produced in higher than normal amounts) by malignant cells. Tumor markers are usually normal cellular constituents that are pre...
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A computed tomography(CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the body.CAT scan; Computed axial tomography scan; Computed tomography scan.You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the ...
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Computed tomography (CT) is a test that combines x-rays and computer scans. The result is a detailed picture that can show problems with soft tissues (such as the lining of your sinuses), organs (such as your kidneys or lungs), and bones.
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Detailed information on computed tomography scans, also called CT scan or CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed
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Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography scans, also called ultrafast CT scan or ultrafast CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed
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Detailed information on CT scan, including how the CT scan is performed and what happens after the procedure
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Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography (CT) scan, including reasons for the procedure, risks of the procedure, what to expect, and discharge instructions
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Computed tomography(CT) scanning is a valuable diagnostic tool that provides physicians with views of internal body structures. During a CT scan, multiple x rays are passed through the body, producing cross-sectional images, or"slices," on a catho...
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Computed tomography(CT), formerly referred to as computerized axial tomography(CAT), is a common diagnostic imaging procedure that uses x rays to generate images(slices) of the anatomy.Computed tomography(CT) is an x-ray imaging procedure used for...
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Computed tomography(CT) scans are completed with the use of a 360-degree x-ray beam and computer production of images. These scans allow for cross-sectional views of body organs and tissues.CT scans are used to image a wide variety of body structu...
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Computed tomography scanning, also called CT scan, CAT scan, or computerized axial tomography, is a diagnostic tool that provides views of internal body structures using x rays. In the field of mental health, a CT scan may be used when a patient s...
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Computed tomography(also known as CT, CT scan, CAT, or computerized axial tomography) scans use x rays to produce precise cross-sectional images of anatomical structures.With the development of modern computers, the scans enhanced digital capabili...
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Is there an alternative to iodine as a contrast medium in a CT scan?
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What is the difference between a pelvic CT scan and an abdominal CT scan?
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A biopsy describes the procedure that is used to obtain a very small piece of the target tissue. For some tissues, like the lining of the cheek, cells can be obtained just by scrapping the tissue surface.
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Detailed information on biopsy, including the most common types of biopsy such as endoscopic biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, punch biopsy, shave biopsy, and skin biopsy
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Biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a piece of tissue and/or cells are removed to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist.Biopsies are performed to determine the presence of cancer cells, establish tumor grading, and provide more inf...
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Detailed information on several of the different divisions of anatomical pathology, including biopsy, surgical pathology, cytology, and autopsy
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A biopsy is a small sample of tissue or fluid taken from the body. This sample can then be studied in a laboratory. Image-guided biopsy allows a sample to be taken from an abnormal mass without the need for surgery. This procedure is done by a specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist.
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What type of biopsy will I have? Why do I need a biopsy? How long will it take?
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Detailed information on biopsy and the biopsy report For many health problems, a diagnosis is made by removing a sample of tissue for study in the pathology laboratory. The biopsy report describes the findings of a specimen.
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Most biopsies involve taking a small piece of skin or muscle under a local anesthetic. When the cells to be analyzed are accessible by needle, the biopsy specimen may be removed with a hollow aspiration needle, which is used to suck out the sample...
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A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.
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A positron emission tomography(PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance(called a tracer) to look for disease in the body.Unlike magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and computed tomography(CT) scans, which reveal the structure of ...
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Positron emission tomography(PET) is a highly specialized imaging technique using short-lived radiolabeled substances to produce powerful images of the body''s biological function.Besides being used to investigate the metabolism of normal organs, P...
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Rather than showing the structure of a body part, PET images show the chemical function of an organ or tissue. PET can show changes in how an organ or tissue works. This can help your healthcare provider diagnose problems and develop a treatment plan for you.
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A heart positron emission tomography(PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance(called a tracer) to look for disease or poor blood flow in the heart.Magnetic resonance imaging( MRI) and computed tomography( CT) scans reveal the...
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Detailed information on positron emission tomography (PET), including information on how PET scans are performed
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A lung positron emission tomography(PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance(called a tracer) to look for disease in the lungs, especially lung cancer.Unlike magnetic resonance imaging( MRI) and computed tomography( CT) scans...
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Positron emission tomography(PET) is a non-invasive scanning technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactive positrons(positively charged particles) to visualize body function and metabolism.As of 2001, PET is the fastest growing nuclear medi...
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The positron emission tomography( PET) unit is a device used to produce images of the body that reflect biochemical changes taking place in the body. Among the body imaging technologies used in medicine, the PET unit is characterized by its use of...
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Finding cancer at its earliest stage can give the best chance of being able to cure it. Different tests are used to find cancers and to help find out if the cancer has spread. A positron-emission tomography (PET) scan is one type of test that can help find and stage cancers as well as monitor how well treatment is working.
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Positron emission tomography(PET) is a non-invasive scanning technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactive positrons(positively charged particles) to visualize body function and metabolism.PET is the fastest growing nuclear medicine tool in...
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Positron emission tomography(PET) is a highly specialized imaging technique using short-lived radiolabeled substances to produce extremely high resolution images of the body''s biological function.Besides being used to investigate the metabolism of...
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Positron emission tomography(PET) is a scanning technique used in conjunction with small amounts of radiolabeled compounds to visualize brain anatomy and function.A PET scan showing brain activity while patient recognizes faces—left sides at...
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Positron emission tomography(PET) is a noninvasive scanning technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactive positrons(positively charged particles) to visualize body function and metabolism.PET is the fastest growing nuclear medicine tool in ...
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Are the gamma rays of a PET scan dangerous?
Robert Shmerling, M.D., is associate physician and clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is an active teacher in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, serving as the Robinson Firm Chief. He is also a teacher in the Rheumatology Fellowship Program and has been a practicing rheumatologist for over 25 years.
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A complete blood count(CBC) test measures the following:.The number of red blood cells(RBCs) The number of white blood cells(WBCs) The total amount of hemoglobin in the blood The fraction of the blood composed of red blood cells( hematocrit) The s...
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One of the most commonly ordered clinical laboratory tests, a blood count, also called a complete blood count(CBC), is a basic evaluation of the cells(red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) suspended in the liquid part of the blood(pla...
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A complete blood count(CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell(RBC) count, white blood cell(WBC) count, and platelet count...
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A complete blood count(CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell(RBC) count, white blood cell(WBC) count, and platelet count...
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The clinical laboratory test that evaluates the three main cellular components of peripheral blood(red cells, white cells, and platelets) is called the"complete blood count"(CBC). It is used commonly to assess whether a patient is anemic(low red c...
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Lymph node biopsy is a test in which a lymph node or a piece of a lymph node is removed for examination under a microscope.The lymphatic system is made up of lymph nodes connected by lymph vessels. The nodes produce white blood cells(lymphocytes) ...
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A lymph node biopsy is a procedure in which all or part of a lymph node is removed and examined to determine if there is cancer within the node.
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A lymph node biopsy is a procedure in which all or part of a lymph node is removed and examined to determine if there is cancer within the node.The lymph system is the body''s primary defense against infection. It consists of the spleen, tonsils, t...
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Pulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they move oxygen into the blood.In a spirometry test, you breathe into a mouthpiece that is connected to an instrument called a spir...
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Pulmonary function tests are a group of procedures that measure the function of the lungs, revealing problems in the way a patient breathes. The tests can determine the cause of shortness of breath and may help confirm lung diseases, such as asthm...
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A pulmonary function test shows how well your lungs are working. A complete test has three parts. You may be given the entire test or only certain parts. The entire test is painless and lasts 45–90 minutes.
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Pulmonary function tests are a group of procedures that measure how well the lungs are functioning.Pulmonary function tests help a doctor to diagnose respiratory diseases and disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), a...
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Pulmonary function tests are a group of procedures that measure the function of the lungs, revealing problems in the way a patient breathes. These tests can determine the cause of shortness of breath and may help confirm the diagnosis of such lung...
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This test tells how much air moves in and out of your lungs when you exercise. During the test, you may be asked to walk on a treadmill or ride on a stationary bike. The test may locate where your breathing problems begin. They may begin in the lungs, the heart, or both. Your test results can also show a safe activity level for you.
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Normal individuals have a large reserve in lung function that allows breathing capacity to increase at least twenty to thirty times during periods of vigorous physical activity. It is not the ability to breathe that normally limits maximum exercis...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a noninvasive way to take pictures of the body.Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic( CT) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The MRI scanner contains the magnet.
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Cardiac nuclear imaging is also called a "perfusion scan.” A radioactive tracer is delivered into the bloodstream. Then a camera scans the tracer in the blood as it flows through the heart muscle.
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Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging, including how the image is performed and what happens following the procedure
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New MRI machines and new techniques result in images that show prostate cancer in much greater detail, allowing biopsies to be targeted more precisely, and thus cancer staging can be more accurate as well.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that lets your doctor see detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI combines the use of strong magnets and radio waves to form an MRI image.
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Studies have found that MRI tests used in addition to mammography detected more cancers in women at high risk for breast cancer. Women at average risk would not necessarily benefit from the additional testing.
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When I had an MRI of my knee, I was told the test was dangerous for people who have metal devices in their bodies. Since then, I developed angina and my cardiologist put in a metal stent. If I need an MRI in the future, will I be able to get one?
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about the safety of MRIs for those who have stents.
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For women at high genetic risk, adding MRI screening to mammography may improve early detection of breast cancer.
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Persons with pacemakers cannot get an MRI because it conflicts with the pacemaker's function. Future pacemakers will likely be made MRI-safe, but this will probably take at least several more years.
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How safe is it for a baby who is 6 months old to have an MRI?
Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".
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Is a regular MRI more accurate then an open MRI?
Diana Post, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
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In some cases, chemical agents such as gadolinium can be injected to improve the contrast between healthy and diseased tissue.A single MRI exposure produces a two-dimensional image of a slice through the entire target area. A series of these image...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a unique and versatile medical imaging modality. Doctors can obtain highly refined images of the body''s interior using MRI.
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) scanners rely on the principles of atomic nuclear-spin resonance. Using strong magnetic fields and radio waves, MRI collects and correlates deflections caused by atoms into images.
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is one of the newest diagnostic medical imaging technologies that uses strong magnets and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body to generate a visible image. In the field of ...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is the newest, and perhaps most versatile, medical imaging technology available. Doctors can get highly refined images of the body''s interior without surgery, using MRI.
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer to generate images of the anatomy.MRI is used to visualize the body to assist doctors in their efforts to diagnose certain di...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is one of the newest, and perhaps most versatile, medical imaging technology available. Doctors can get highly refined images of the body''s interior without surgery using MRI.
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People with certain kinds of pacemakers or ICDs can safely undergo an MRI, as long as a series of safety precautions is carefully followed.
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Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including information on how the procedure is performed
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Thoracoscopy is the insertion of an endoscope, a narrow-diameter tube with a viewing mirror or camera attachment, through a very small incision(cut) in the chest wall.Thoracoscopy makes it possible for a physician to examine the lungs or other str...
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Thoracoscopy is often used to repair a collapsed lung; to examine, biopsy, and stage a mass in the lung; or to drain fluid from around the lungs. During thoracoscopy, your surgeon can look into your chest and perform procedures through small incisions in the chest wall. If a thoracoscopy can't be continued, a thoracotomy (open procedure) may be necessary.
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Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms after your procedure:
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Thoracoscopy is the insertion of an endoscope, a narrow diameter tube with a viewing mirror or camera.Thoracoscopy is a procedure in which a physician can view the chest cavity and the lungs by inserting an endoscope through the chest wall. Thorac...
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The concentrations of these ions in the bloodstream remain fairly constant throughout the day in a healthy person. Changes in the concentration of one or more of these ions can occur during various acute and chronic disease states and can lead to ...
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However, there is a narrow concentration limit of these electrolytes that the body must maintain within each of these compartments. The body transfers electrolytes intracellularly and extracellularly as required to maintain electrolyte balance.
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Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged molecules called ions, that are found within the body''s cells and extracellular fluids, including blood plasma. A test for electrolytes includes the measurement of sodium, potassium, chloride, and...
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Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged ions that are found within the cells and extracellular fluids, including blood plasma. A test for electrolytes includes the measurement of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.
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The lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) test measures the amount of LDH in the blood.
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Lactate dehydrogenase, also called lactic dehydrogenase, or LDH, is an enzyme found in the cells of many body tissues, including the heart, liver, kidneys, skeletal muscle, brain, red blood cells, and lungs. It is responsible for converting muscle...
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Bone marrow aspiration is the removal of a small amount of this tissue in liquid form for examination.
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A bone scan is an imaging test that shows areas of increased or decreased bone turnover( metabolism).A bone scan involves injecting a radioactive material(radiotracer) into a vein. The substance travels through the bloodstream.
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A bone scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to evaluate abnormalities involving bones and joints. A radionuclide is injected intravenously, and its distribution in the skeletal system is analyzed to detect certain diseases or conditions.Bon...
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A bone scan is an imaging test that uses a special camera to form images of your bones. It is used to diagnose bone problems, such as fractures, cancer, or infections, and joint problems such as arthritis. It is also used to check joint replacements.
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Skeletal System." In Nuclear Medicine, Ed.
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