Lung Cancer Screening and Testing

Screening tests are often used to help doctors find and treat cancer in the early stages. These tests are very helpful in detecting certain cancers, but unfortunately there is no generally accepted screening test for lung cancer at this time.¹

Several methods of detecting lung cancer have been studied as possible screening tests. The methods being studied include tests of sputum (mucus brought up from the lungs by coughing), chest x-rays, or spiral (helical) CT scans. But there may be risks linked to screening tests. For example, an abnormal x-ray result could lead to other procedures such as surgery to check for cancer cells, but a person with an abnormal test result might not have lung cancer. So far, studies have not shown that screening tests lower the number of deaths from lung cancer.¹

You may want to talk with your doctor about your own risk factors and the possible benefits and harms of being screened for lung cancer. Like many other medical decisions, the decision to be screened is a personal one. Your decision may be easier after learning the pros and cons of screening.

Read more about the stages of lung cancer.

What You Need to Know about Lung Cancer: Screening [Internet]. National Cancer Institute. Available from: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/lung/page5.

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci Surgical System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. There are no guarantees of outcome. All surgeries involve the risk of major complications. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual; it may not be applicable to your condition. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits. Only your doctor can determine whether da Vinci Surgery is appropriate for your situation. The clinical information and opinions, including any inaccuracies expressed in this material by patients or doctor about da Vinci Surgery are not necessarily those of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. and should not be considered as substitute for medical advice provided by your doctor. All people depicted unless otherwise noted are models. © 2012 Intuitive Surgical. All rights reserved. Intuitive, Intuitive Surgical, da Vinci, da Vinci S, da Vinci Si, Single-Site, InSite, TilePro and EndoWrist are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intuitive Surgical. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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