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CT Lung Cancer Screening
Meet Mark
Mark smoked for 10 years and struggles with high cholesterol. He decided to have doctors take a closer look at his heart through a Coronary CTA. Upon reviewing the study, Charlotte Radiology's doctors saw an area of suspicion on his lung. A CT Lung Cancer Screening was ordered to take a closer look. Lucky for Mark, he can breathe easier now knowing that nothing serious is wrong.
What is CT Lung Cancer Screening?
CT Lung Cancer Screening is a Helical CT scan which evaluates your lungs for any signs of lung cancer. This screening tool is intended for individuals considered to be at high risk for developing lung cancer. The advanced CT scan provides a rapid examination of your lungs and is designed to detect small nodules (possible cancers) that may be present but not yet visible on a standard chest x-ray. Recent research suggests that detection of these nodules at a very small size may dramatically improve likelihood of survival of lung cancer.
For more information on this and other radiology procedures, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org.
Meet our Team of Body Imaging Radiologists.
For more information on this and other radiology procedures, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org.
Meet our Team of Body Imaging Radiologists.
Who needs a CT Lung Cancer Screening?
We recommend that you consult your physician to see if you are a candidate for this procedure. However, CT Lung Cancer Screenings may be performed on patients 60 years of age or older with at least a 10 pack-year smoking history. Pack-year history is calculated by multiplying the number of years smoking by the number of packs per day. (National data shows that 83% of lung cancers are currently diagnosed in patients over 60). Other candidates include patients between 50 and 60 years of age with at least a 20-30 pack-year smoking history or with risk factors such as asbestos exposure or obstructive airway disease.
What should I expect?
If your scan is normal, you may wish to obtain a repeat study in one year.
If the radiologist detects a pulmonary nodule that raises concern, you may be asked to return for a diagnostic CT test. Frequently, nodules detected on the screening exam are subsequently revealed to be benign granulomas or scars on the diagnostic study.
Therefore, an initially positive screening test does not mean you have lung cancer. Additional charges for the diagnostic scan, and for any additional tests that may be needed will usually be covered by insurance. In some cases, a small nodule may be detected which is not considered suspicious, and you may be asked to return for periodic rechecking of the nodule to be sure it is benign (not cancerous).
If the radiologist detects a pulmonary nodule that raises concern, you may be asked to return for a diagnostic CT test. Frequently, nodules detected on the screening exam are subsequently revealed to be benign granulomas or scars on the diagnostic study.
Therefore, an initially positive screening test does not mean you have lung cancer. Additional charges for the diagnostic scan, and for any additional tests that may be needed will usually be covered by insurance. In some cases, a small nodule may be detected which is not considered suspicious, and you may be asked to return for periodic rechecking of the nodule to be sure it is benign (not cancerous).
Which locations offer CT Lung Cancer Screening?
How do I make an appointment?
Typically your referring physician will schedule an appointment for you. If you have been asked to schedule the appointment yourself, please call 704-442-4390.
