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Lung cancer can remain localized in the lungs or spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body such as lymph nodes, bones, and the brain. Therefore, obtaining a tissue sample from the lung is essential for the definitive diagnosis and subtyping of lung cancer. Tissue samples obtained via biopsy are meticulously examined under a microscope. It has been scientifically proven that taking a biopsy from suspicious lesions in the lung does not cause the tumor to spread or the disease to worsen.
The main methods used to obtain these tissue samples are:
* Bronchoscopy: The airways are examined, and small tissue samples (biopsies) are taken using a thin, lighted tube inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea and bronchi.
* Needle Biopsy (Transthoracic Needle Aspiration): A special needle is inserted through the chest wall towards the suspicious mass in the lung to obtain a sample from the tissue suspected of being cancerous. These samples are used for pathological examination.
* Thoracentesis: This procedure involves taking a sample with a needle from the fluid (pleural effusion) accumulated in the space surrounding the lungs. Cancer cells in this fluid are examined under a microscope.
* Thoracotomy (Open Biopsy): This is a surgical method applied when diagnosis cannot be made with other biopsy methods or when they are not suitable. The chest cavity is opened, and a larger sample of lung tissue is taken.
* Sputum Cytology: This method involves examining a sputum sample, which the patient coughs up deeply, under a microscope to investigate the presence of cancer cells.
After a diagnosis of lung cancer is made, additional molecular and genetic tests are performed on the samples to determine the stage and spread of the disease. As a result of these comprehensive evaluations, a personalized and most effective treatment plan is created, tailored to the stage and genetic characteristics of the cancer.
Biopsy methods in lung cancer
The main methods used to obtain these tissue samples are:
* Bronchoscopy: The airways are examined, and small tissue samples (biopsies) are taken using a thin, lighted tube inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea and bronchi.
* Needle Biopsy (Transthoracic Needle Aspiration): A special needle is inserted through the chest wall towards the suspicious mass in the lung to obtain a sample from the tissue suspected of being cancerous. These samples are used for pathological examination.
* Thoracentesis: This procedure involves taking a sample with a needle from the fluid (pleural effusion) accumulated in the space surrounding the lungs. Cancer cells in this fluid are examined under a microscope.
* Thoracotomy (Open Biopsy): This is a surgical method applied when diagnosis cannot be made with other biopsy methods or when they are not suitable. The chest cavity is opened, and a larger sample of lung tissue is taken.
* Sputum Cytology: This method involves examining a sputum sample, which the patient coughs up deeply, under a microscope to investigate the presence of cancer cells.
After a diagnosis of lung cancer is made, additional molecular and genetic tests are performed on the samples to determine the stage and spread of the disease. As a result of these comprehensive evaluations, a personalized and most effective treatment plan is created, tailored to the stage and genetic characteristics of the cancer.