Small cell carcinoma of the lung CT
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Small Cell Carcinoma of the Lung Microchapters |
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Differentiating Small Cell Carcinoma of the Lung from other Diseases |
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Small cell carcinoma of the lung CT On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Rim Halaby, M.D. [2] Mirdula Sharma, MBBS [3]
Overview
Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, preferably with intravenous contrast administration, is often used to diagnose lung cancer because it determines the location of the tumor and any involvement of the lymph nodes. Patients with small cell lung cancer often have a hilar mass associated with bulky mediastinal lymph nodes. CT guided biopsy can be used to sample tumor cells in order to determine the exact type of lung cancer. All patients with confirmed SCLC by histopathological findings should undergo a CT scan of the abdomen for staging purposes. CT scan of the abdomen helps identify metastasis to organs, such as the liver or the adrenal glands. Brain imaging is also mandatory for staging; however, brain MRI is preferred over brain CT scan due to its superior sensitivity for the detection of brain metastasis. In addition, when limited stage small cell lung cancer is suspected, PET CT scan should be performed.[1]