I have pulmonary fibrosis and through a cat scan a mass was detected and i was told there is a 90% chance of being malignant. I have to do a biopsy. My risks are very high. My lungs may collapse and I might die during the procedure. Is there any other way out for me? Can radiation be done on the area without doing a biopsy? Or could they test some nodes to see if cancer is present. I am scared. I need another option.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. Yes there are other ways to diagnose lung cancer. They are1. S.CEA level.2. Sputum cytology3. Bronchoscopy and BAD (Bronchi Alveolar Lavage) examination for malignant cells.4. PET scan to look for metastases in cervical lymph nodes and other organs like liver, spleen, bones etc. If any of the above are positive for malignancy than we can start treatment for lung cancer. But the best and gold standard is BIOS and histopathological examination. So discuss these things with your doctor and try to work out the best possible way for you.