Utility and Algorithm of Imaging Modalities in Diagnosis and Staging of Bronchogenic Carcinoma
The utility and algorithm of diagnostic and particularly radiological conventional and digital methods in diagnosis and staging of central and peripheral, non-small cell and small cell bronchogenic carcinoma are presented in this paper. Their sensitivity and specificity in the assessment of malignant mediastinal and hilar adenopathy, pleural and chest wall infiltration and tissue categorization of the solitary pulmonary nodule are discussed. It is concluded that digital methods - spiral CT, US and MRI, in spite of quoted limitations, have considerably improved the diagnosis and staging of bronchogenic carcinoma. Although CT is superior over conventional radiological methods, it should be used in definitive staging complimentary with the other imaging modalities, endoscopic and bioptic methods, as well as obligatory histological confirmation of the diagnosis.