- Allergic reactions to the sedatives or anesthetics
- Asthma attacks in susceptible patients
- Bleeding
Patients may develop a fever after the procedure.
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Click the icon to see an image of a bronchoscopy procedure. |
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Click the icon to see an image of a bronchoscope. |
Mediastinoscopy. Mediastinoscopy uses a tube inserted in the central part of the lungs to locate the appropriate areas for biopsy. It is performed if the physician suspects that cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not yet spread to other parts of the body.
Laboratory Tests
Sputum Analysis for Presence of Cancer Cells. Analysis of coughed-up sputum performed as a screening test for lung cancer, is often done along with chest x-rays. This method has not reduced death rates. Recent improvements in this screening technique are under study.
Sputum analysis may also be used to diagnose lung cancer in someone with signs of lung cancer. However, it is not 100% accurate. If a sputum analysis does not show cancer cells, other tests are performed.
Biomarkers. Biologic markers, called biomarkers, are high levels of substances that are released by tumors and indicate the presence of specific cancers. Biomarkers can be found in sputum, blood, and tissue samples. They can include:
Previous Section
Review Date: 07/01/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
