Current investigative modalities for detecting and staging lung cancers: a comprehensive summary

This narrative review compares the advantages and drawbacks of imaging and other investigation modalities which currently assist with lung cancer diagnosis and staging, as well as those which are not routinely indicated for this. We examine plain film radiography, computed tomography (CT) (alone, as well as in conjunction with positron emission tomography (PET)), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and newer techniques such as image-guided bronchoscopy (IGB) and robotic bronchoscopy (RB). While a chest X-ray is the first-line imaging investigation in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of lung cancer, it has a high positive predictive value (PPV) even after negative X-ray findings, which calls into question its value as part of a potential national screening programme. CT lowers the mortality for high-risk patients when compared to X-ray and certain scoring systems, such as the Brock model can guide the need for further imaging, like PET-CT, which has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing solitary pulmonary nodules as malignant, as well as for assessing small cell lung cancer spread. In practice, PET-CT is offered to everyone whose lung cancer is to be treated with a curative intent. In contrast, MRI is only recommended for isolated distant metastases. Similarly, ultrasound imaging is not used for diagnosis of lung cancer but can be useful when there is suspicion of intrathoracic lymph node involvement. Ultrasound imaging in the form of endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) is often used to aid tissue sampling, yet the diagnostic value of this technique varies widely between studies. RB is another novel technique that offers an alternative way to biopsy lesions, but further research on it is necessary. Lastly, thoracic surgical biopsies, particularly minimally invasive video-assisted techniques, have been used increasingly to aid in diagnosis and staging.

Automated summary

This narrative review compares the advantages and drawbacks of various imaging and investigation modalities in diagnosing and staging lung cancer. It discusses the use of plain film radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and newer techniques such as image-guided bronchoscopy (IGB) and robotic bronchoscopy (RB). The review finds that while a chest X-ray has high positive predictive value, its role in national screening programmes is questionable. CT is effective in lowering mortality for high-risk patients, and PET-CT is recommended for diagnosing malignant nodules and assessing small cell lung cancer spread. MRI is only recommended for isolated distant metastases, and ultrasound can be useful in assessing lymph node involvement. Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) is often used for tissue sampling, but its diagnostic value varies. RB offers an alternative way to biopsy lesions, but further research is needed. Thoracic surgical biopsies, particularly minimally invasive techniques, have been increasingly used for diagnosis and staging.