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Age: 50-77
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Smoking History: Current smokers and former smokers who quit less than 15 years ago with a 20 pack-year smoking history
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Pack years = average packs of cigarettes per day X number of years smoked
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Example: 1 pack per day x 30 years = 30 pack years.
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On the day of your lung screening exam your lungs will be examined using a low dose CT scan of your chest.
The CT scanner will take images of your chest and lungs. These images will be reviewed by a doctor trained in interpreting medical imaging, a radiologist. The radiologist will interpret the images and provide a report, including a lung screening score.
The CT scanner will take images of your chest and lungs. These images will be reviewed by a doctor trained in interpreting medical imaging, a radiologist. The radiologist will interpret the images and provide a report, including a lung screening score.
The Radiologist will look for lung nodules or spots. While some lung nodules are cancerous, most nodules/spots are not cancer. Depending on the size and shape of the nodule, recommendations for management will be made. These could include:
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Come back for another scan in 1 year
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Come back for another scan in 6 months
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Come back for another scan in 3 months
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Get another type of scan, like a diagnostic CT of the chest (full radiation dose) or a PET/CT (a nuclear medicine scan)
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Get a biopsy
The Radiologist will look for lung nodules or spots. While some lung nodules are cancerous, most nodules/spots are not cancer. Depending on the size and shape of the nodule, recommendations for management will be made. These could include:
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Come back for another scan in 1 year
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Come back for another scan in 6 months
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Come back for another scan in 3 months
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Get another type of scan, like a diagnostic CT of the chest (full radiation dose) or a PET/CT (a nuclear medicine scan)
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Get a biopsy
Lung screening saves lives because it helps doctors find lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages when there are the most options available. Knowledge really is power when it comes to lung cancer detection.
Lung screening saves lives because it helps doctors find lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages when there are the most options available. Knowledge really is power when it comes to lung cancer detection.
