How are respiratory issues diagnosed in cancer patients?
Diagnosing respiratory issues in cancer patients involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and sometimes invasive procedures. Chest X-rays and CT scans are commonly used to visualize the lungs and detect abnormalities like masses, fluid accumulation, or lung collapse. Pulmonary function tests can assess the extent of breathing impairment. In cases of pleural effusion, thoracentesis can be performed to both relieve symptoms and obtain fluid for diagnostic analysis.
