Featured Locations Search All Locations
Henry Ford Allegiance Health
Henry Ford Kingswood Hospital
Henry Ford Macomb Hospital
Henry Ford Macomb - Mt Clemens
Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital
Henry Ford Maplegrove Center
Browse Locations by Type
Walk In Clinic & Urgent Care
Lab Service Centers
Frequently Searched ServicesSearch All Services
Walk-In / Urgent Care
Browse Services by A-Z
Aortic Disease
Appendix Cancer
Back Pain and Spine
Bleeding and Clotting Disorders
Bone and Musculoskeletal Cancer
Broken Bones and Trauma
Center for Reproductive Medicine
Eye Cancer
Foot and Ankle Care
Gallbladder Cancer
Gastrointestinal Tumors
Hand and Wrist Care
Headache and Facial Pain
Health Care at Home
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Imaging and Radiology
Inpatient Psychiatric Care
Intestine Transplant
Lung and Respiratory Care
Lung and Thoracic Cancer
Nasal, Skull Base, Pituitary Tumors
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
Stem Cell Transplant
Tobacco Treatment
Voice and Larynx Care
von Hippel Lindau VHL syndrome
Walk-In and Urgent Care
MyChart Username Forgot MyChart Username?
1-800-HENRYFORD(436-7936) or e-mail at HFMyChart@hfhs.org
Sign Up for MyChart
* Enter Keyword(s)
Search Classes & Events
Henry Ford Innovations
Username or ID Number
Close Search Opener
After Diagnosis
Cancer Institute Home
Thoracic Cancer Diagnosis
Our experts will get you accurate answers quickly.
Our thoracic cancer team uses advanced technology to help us quickly learn more about your possible tumor. Our goal is to deliver patients a fast and thorough diagnosis so we can move forward with a treatment plan.
In addition to the imaging tests and biopsies discussed on this page, we also are home to Michigan's only comprehensive Interventional Pulmonology Program. Interventional pulmonology helps doctors diagnose and treat lung cancer and mesothelioma using procedures involving a bronchoscope.
A bone scan is performed after lung cancer is diagnosed to make sure the cancer hasn't spread to the bones. This test uses a radioactive material called a radiotracer, which is injected into a vein. As the radiotracer travels to the bones, it gives off radiation that can be detected by a camera. During the scan, this camera takes images of the body to see how much radiation collects in the bones. The scan itself lasts about an hour, but you may have to wait up to four hours after receiving the radiotracer injection.
A chest X-ray is a quick test that involves taking X-ray pictures of the chest area. During the test, you will stand in front of the X-ray machine. You may be asked to hold your breath and stand in a few positions.
A computed tomography scan, known as a CT scan, is a test that uses X-ray technology. It's different than a chest X-ray because it can take pictures of cross-section parts of the body. During a CT scan, you lie on a table that slides into a tube-shaped machine. The machines takes pictures from every angle. A radiologist then uses the CT scan images to create 3-D pictures of the body. The test only lasts a few minutes, but the radiologist may ask you to lie very still to avoid blurry images.
A magnetic resonance imaging scan, known as an MRI, is a test that uses magnets and radio waves to take pictures of the chest. It does not use X-rays. Some MRIs use a special dye that helps the radiologist see parts of the body more clearly. The doctor will inject dye into the body through an IV before the scan. During the test, you lie down on a table that slides into a tube-shaped scanner. You will need to wear a hospital gown and take off any metal jewelry or accessories, which can interfere with the test. An MRI can last 30 minutes to an hour.
This test uses radioactive octreotide to locate tumors. Once injected into a vein, the octreotide travels through the bloodstream and attaches to tumor cells. A device that detects radioactive octreotide takes pictures of the body that tell doctors where tumor cells are located.
A positron emission tomography scan, known as a PET scan, uses a radioactive substance called a tracer that collects in organs and tissues, where it helps a radiologists see parts of the body more clearly. The radioactive tracer, given before the test through an IV, may take up to an hour to absorb into your body. During the PET scan, you lie on a table that slides into the tube-shaped scanner. A PET scan takes 3-D pictures that show how organs and tissues are working.
How do you use biopsy to diagnose thoracic cancer?
A biopsy is a procedure in which your doctor takes a tissue sample from inside the body so we can test it further. In most cases, the doctor will order a biopsy to confirm a cancer diagnosis made from an imaging test. In some cases of thoracic cancer, such as thymoma, a biopsy is the only way to diagnose a tumor as cancer. We offer:
Open lung biopsy: The doctor will put you under general anesthesia, make an incision in your chest, and remove a sample of lung tissue. We may leave a tube leading to your lungs in your mouth for a day or two after the procedure to keep your lung from collapsing. We also offer a minimally invasive version of this test,called thoracoscopy. In a thoracoscopy, a thin, flexible tube is inserted through a small incision in the chest.
Pleural biopsy: This procedure is similar to the open lung biopsy, except the incision is made on the side of the chest and several tissue samples may be taken.
Connect with our Cancer Team 24/7
Connect with a Cancer Expert
Discover hundreds of clinical trials for virtually all types of cancer.
Emotional, physical and spiritual services help guide your treatment and recovery.
Start here to explore full range of care available at the Henry Ford Cancer Institute.
** Check with your insurance carrier for coverage limitations.
If you can't find a date/time that works for you please call the provider's office. Not all appointment types at all locations are available online.
Henry Ford Health System is committed to ensuring our Deaf or hard-of-hearing patients and visitors have equal access to all services. We provide the appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including qualified sign language interpreters, TTYs and other assistive listening devices, at no cost. To request assistance, call 313-916-1896 or email CommunicationAccess@hfhs.org.
Schedule Appointment for
© 2020 Henry Ford Health System
Patient Privacy & Security
ܐܫܘܪܝܐ
हिदी