For an overview of lung cancer, as well as risk factors, symptoms and diagnostic information, visit Cancer.org

Many factors play a role in making a diagnosis. The patient's clinical presentation and physical condition will determine which methods of investigation are most appropriate.

The Eliana Center uses the full range of standard diagnostic techniques available today. In addition, we are a leader in the use of newly developed radiography technology and minimally invasive techniques.

At Eliana, your physician will work with you and other clinical consultants to devise a plan to accurately diagnose and stage your disease. These investigations may include X-ray, CT scans, PET scans, biospies by bronchoscopy, interventional radiology (percutaneous needle biopsy),endoesophageal ultrasound (EUS) and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS).

EBUS is a procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound to obtain images and information about the digestive tract and the surrounding tissue and organs. With use of a small needle, EBUS can get tissue samples from the mediastinum as well. This combination of EBUS with a needle is called endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EBUS-FNA). EBUS-FNA has been used widely for staging of other types of cancers, such as esophageal and pancreatic cancers, and it is now being used for staging of lung cancer as well. The advantage of EBUS-FNA is it can reach the parts of the mediastinum without the need for surgery. EBUS-FNA is considered to be very safe, does not require general anesthesia, and can be done as an outpatient often in less than one hour.

Minimally invasive surgery is also used extensively in the diagnosis and staging of disease. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has helped simplify the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Using minimally invasive techniques, surgeons are able to completely evaluate the chest cavity in order to properly stage and treat patients. If a complete lobectomy is necessary, VATS and robotic lobectomies can be performed in many patients with lung cancer.