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Eight months ago I was diagnosed with multiple nodules in both lungs. Biopsy performed but nodules too small for good tissue sample. Told I have to wait for them to grow to get better sample, do ct every 3 to 6 months. Are tger other diagnosis methods of lung cancer?
There is a new blood test by the Natera companies that measures cancer in the blood. Not all doctors offer it but may be worth asking about. My doctor uses it to see if my cancer load is dropping from treatment rather than more invasive tests.
A biopsy, whether from a tissue sample or blood, is the only way for the doctor to pinpoint what type of cancer cells you have and whether they have any genetic mutation that can be targeted.
Depending on how accessible the tumor is, they should be able to get a biopsy when it grows to 1cm or larger.
APET scan can show if the tumor is metabolically active, meaning it is probably malignant, but it can't definitively show the type of cancer or mutations.
The lung nodules I had were first seen on a screening CT back in 2019. It took until May 2022 for a couple of them to grow large enough for a biopsy.
You and I are lucky in the sense that we caught it at an early stage. I had tumors in both lungs, so stage 4. Immune-chemotherapy knocked it out in 12 weeks. I have been doing well on Keytruda since the chemo ended.
Stay positive!
Tony
Lung cancer can be diagnosed through several non-biopsy methods, including:
- Imaging Tests
- Chest X-Ray: Often the first test to look for abnormal areas or masses in the lung.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Provides detailed images of the body from multiple angles.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: Show Full Answer
Thanks so much for this information.
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