which test should be first - Cancer: Lung Message Board

Canyondweller · 01-11-2004, 11:57 PM

I have had x-ray which showed nothing except my emphysema. I have always coughed a lot but since I quit smoking in April I have had a large amount of mucous that sollects in lungs and bronchial tubes and have to have a session or two a day of getting junk up after I use my inhalers and nebulizer which opens lung airways. My Dr. is thinking bronchoscopy and I am thinking spiral CT scan first, sputum analysis first. Sputum is clear but a lot of it. Does anyone have any ideas of what my next step is. thanks

wubbogirl · 01-12-2004, 03:18 PM

I'd do the bronchoscopy. After that then the can do the spiral ct.

butterflytrans · 01-12-2004, 03:33 PM

Well, it depends on what you're looking for; however, in general, I agree that doing a non-invasive procedure before an invasive one is preferable

Canyondweller · 01-13-2004, 04:15 PM

My thought was the spiral since it was less invasive and because of poor lung function because of emphysema safer. Also, if they found something suspicious a ciopsy might be able to be taken during bronchoscopy with less poking around since I think they can use CT scan for location. Tests would be rule out cancer.