Anton Bilchik Discusses a New Test for Lung Cancer Using Exhaled Breath

Anton Bilchik Discusses a New Test for Lung Cancer Using Exhaled Breath

Anton Bilchik MD was interested to learn about a new study that suggests compounds in a person’s breath may help doctors diagnose lung cancer in its early stages. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and is the second most common type of cancer among U.S. men and women.

Smoking causes 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer cases. Some scientists estimate anti-smoking campaigns have prevented about 8 million premature deaths. Exposure to radon, a naturally occurring gas emitted by rocks and dirt, is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Researchers from University of Louisville used silicone microprocessors and mass spectrometers to test the exhaled breath of study participants suspected of having lung cancer. Specifically, the scientists were looking for traces of carbonyls, which are volatile organic compounds, in the exhaled breath. The human body normally produces very low levels of carbonyls.

In this study, however, the scientists found that 95 percent of the patients with a lung mass also had high carbonyl levels. Carbonyl levels fell back to normal after surgery to remove the mass in all cases.

Furthermore, the lead scientist in the study notes that low levels of carbonyls predicted a benign, or harmless, mass in 80 percent of patients. This means carbonyl levels could help a doctor determine whether a mass is benign or malignant.

Anton Bilchik reminds you that early detection and treatment improves your chances for a positive outcome after lung cancer. Contact the office of Anton Bilchik MD to learn more about lung cancer.