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A member asked:

Is it true that the primary tumor in small cell lung cancer is often occult? does this mean even a ct scan can't see it? do we only detect on spread

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Michael Gabor answered

Specializes in Diagnostic Radiology

At some point: in its development, every cancer is "occult" because it originates on a microscopic level. CT has a high sensitivity for detecting lung cancer, approximately 95%, so CT will detect the vast majority of lung cancers.

Dr Fowler agreed

Answered 5/24/2017

683 views

Thank

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Do you have trouble visualising the primary tumor in small cell lung cancer. I am worried that my fatigue over 4 years is due to lung cancer that is not showing on ct scan 6 months ago. Thank You.
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