文摘
Lung cancer is the fourth most common cause of death in Germany. Symptoms are mainly nonspecific and often develop at a late stage. The diagnostic procedure begins with clinical history and examination. X-ray of the thorax is the basis of imaging and is supplemented by a computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax. A biopsy for histological or cytological evaluation should be performed by the least invasive method, usually bronchoscopy. Supplemented by modern techniques such as narrow-band imaging, endobronchial ultrasound and electromagnetic navigation, bronchoscopy plays an important role in the diagnostic procedure. Positron emission tomography (PET) provides reliable evidence of lung cancer. It can be used for further evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy and also supplements extrathoracical staging. This should cover the most prevalent organs of metastasis, namely the adrenal glands, liver, central nervous system and bones.