Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Small cell carcinoma of the lung other diagnostic studies
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Among patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) who have pleural effusion large enough to be sampled, thoracentesis should be performed. The results of the analysis of the pleural effusion should be considered in the staging of the lesion. In addition, pathological mediastinal staging in selected patients should be performed through either mediastinoscopy, video assisted thoracoscopy, or endobronchial/esophageal guided ultrasound biopsy. Moreover, bone marrow biopsy is required among SCLC who have evidence on blood smear of nucleated red blood cells, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia.
Other Diagnostic Studies
Other Diagnostic Studies
- Among patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) who have pleural effusion large enough to be sampled, thoracentesis should be performed.[1]
- The results of the analysis of the pleural effusion should be considered in the staging of the lesion.[1]
- Pathological mediastinal staging in selected patients should be performed through either mediastinoscopy, video assisted thoracoscopy, or endobronchial/esophageal guided ultrasound biopsy.
- Bone marrow biopsy is required among SCLC who have evidence on blood smear of nucleated red blood cells, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]