What is LOW DOSE LUNG CT SCREENING?
What is Low-Dose Lung CT Screening?
A low-dose lung CT screen produces images of the lungs for analysis of potential lung cancer. A screening is just a study to test for the presence of a disease without symptoms in high-risk patients. This exam uses CT (Computed Tomography) to produce high-quality images with a minimal dose of radiation.
What are the benefits of CT lung screening?
CT (Computed Tomography) of the chest produces high-resolution images of the lungs, enabling the detection of abnormal spots called “nodules” within the lungs. Many times, these nodules are too small to be seen on a regular chest x-ray.
Who should have a low-dose CT lung screen?
Lung screenings for two high-risk groups listed below are currently suggested to have testing. If you fall into one of the following groups, you should consider having a low-dose CT lung screen
- People 55 years old and older who have smoked for 30 or more “pack years”
- People 50 years old and older who have smoked for 20 or more “pack years” and have at least one or more risk factors other than second-hand smoke.
A Pack year is calculated by the following formula: Number of packs per day times years of smoking= pack years. For example, 1.5 packs a day x 30 years = 45 pack years.
Recent studies have shown that patients with high-risk factors for lung cancer who undergo a yearly low-dose CT lung scan are more likely to be diagnosed earlier, with smaller sized tumors (or nodules). For example, research has shown 60-80% of lung cancers are diagnosed in Stage 1A- the earliest stage of lung cancer. But, if screening is not done, only 15% of lung cancer patients are diagnosed at Stage 1A.
Screening is not recommended for high-risk patients with poor health, who if diagnosed with cancer would not be able to receive curative treatment.
How to prepare for a CT lung screening?
While there are typically no special preparation required for a calcium scoring exam, there are a few things to keep in mind including:
- Be prepared to pay out of pocket for the low-dose lung screening exam as most insurances do not cover this scan and photo identification
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of your exam
- Avoid clothing with metal zippers or snaps
- Take your normal medications as usual
- Always inform your technologist if you are pregnant or could be pregnant
What to expect during the CT exam
A CT exam takes usually around ten to fifteen minutes from the time you get on the table. Your technologist will ask you to lay on the CT table and based on your study, you will be positioned accordingly. While you are in the room alone, the technologist can see, hear and speak with you the entire time.
When your CT examination is done, you may resume your normal daily activities unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise. Your images will be sent to one of our board-certified radiologists for interpretation and a report will be sent to your provider.
What if I am Claustrophobic?
Patients who are claustrophobic may feel a “closed in” feeling during the CT scan if your head is going first into the gantry. If this is a concern, please let us know prior to your appointment if you think you will require sedation. Your healthcare provider may prescribe something for the claustrophobia to be taken prior to your appointment.
