Lung Cancer Tests

It is amazing how thousands of people have died from lung cancer and mesothelioma, but no one calls for a good testing method until a few celebrities die from lung cancer.

After the deaths of Peter Jennings and Dana Reeve, both from lung cancer, a bigger spotlight is being placed on a test called a spiral or helical CT scan. This test detects lung abnormalities as small as 5 millimeters. The problem arises when there are a large number of false positives. If the test is positive, it usually calls for a biopsy. A biopsy is a more costly and risky procedure. If a cancer if found, the treatment may be more risky than letting the cancer grow since some cancers will grow relatively slowly.

Doctors and patients must weigh the risk/benefit of such a procedure no matter what celebrities have to say in the matter.