Thoracic Cavity Tests and Diagnoses

Thoracic Cavity Tests and Diagnoses

To diagnose lung disease, your physician will listen to you breathe with a stethoscope. If pneumothorax or atelectasis is suspected, no breathing sounds will be apparent as you inhale and exhale.

Other tests performed may include:

• Chest X-ray: This will be used to determine whether there is air leaking outside the lung.
• Chest computed tomography (CT) scan: This cross-sectional imaging of the chest will offer better resolution than the traditional X-ray.
• Bronchoscopy: A bronchoscope is a flexible or rigid tube that allows your physician to see the inside of your lungs. The flexible bronchoscope is a thin tube passed through your mouth or nose, down the trachea and into the lungs, and where your doctor can collect cell samples.
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis: This blood test will be used to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood, as well as the blood's acidity.
• Mediastinoscopy: This surgical procedure lets your physician examine the middle of your chest to identify the cause of any abnormal masses or determine if a cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
• Sternotomy: This surgical incision allows access to the heart, thymus and lungs.