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Lung cancer is responsible for deaths of more Americans than any other type of cancer. The majority of individuals with lung cancer do not survive 5 years. However, if the lung cancer is identified early and treated, at least 70-80% survive the first 2 years. Detection of early lung cancer is very important if we are to improve survival rates. CT scans play a major role in the screening/detection of lung cancers in the early stages. Lung cancer tumors are typically the size of an orange by the time they are discovered through a conventional x-ray - and at this stage the cancer has usually spread.
Is a simple chest x ray good enough to detect lung cancer?
No, the resolution of a chest x ray is much lower than a CT scan. By the time a lung cancer is seen on a chest x ray, the lung cancer is generally too large for surgery. Chest x rays are not useful tools for lung cancer screening. A chest x ray can only detect lung masses that are the size of an orange.
What is a CT scan of the chest?
CT scan is a useful test to identify and screen for lung cancers. The cancers are identified in their early stages at which they can be treated. The CT scan images the entire chest and the mediastinum (the middle past of the chest which contains important structures). The CT scan can detect very small masses in the lung. By detecting cancerous tumors at an early stage, an individual's survival rate may be significantly improved.
Who should get a CT of the chest?
CT scan of the chest is a useful screening test for individuals who are at risk for lung cancers. Individuals with the following risk factors should get a CT chest
- Individuals who smoke cigarettes, pipes
- Individuals who are exposed to second hand smoke
- Individuals who have been exposed to asbestosis
- Individuals who have been exposed to radon
- Individuals who have a history of tuberculosis
- Individuals who have weight loss with coughing of blood
- Individuals with a Family history of lung cancer
- Individuals who have a prolonged cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath
How is the procedure done?
A CT Lung Scan is completely painless and effortless. On the day of the CT scan, the individual will arrive at the center. The individual will be asked to change into a gown. The individual is then asked to lie down on a flat bed which moves into the CT scan tunnel. Once the machine is ready, the patient is slowly moved into the tunnel and the images are obtained. At this point the individual is asked to hold his/her breath. The entire procedure takes a few seconds. After the procedure the patient can change back to his normal clothes and can go back to normal activities.
How long will my appointment take?
The total time for the CT scan takes only about 10-15 minutes in total. The actual scan takes about 20-30 seconds. During the time that you are being scanned, you will be asked to hold your breath for about 20 seconds. This prevents any motion artifacts from breathing. The images are printed out and read by the radiologist.
Who interprets the scans?
A radiologist with prior training and experience interprets the images of the CT scan.
What is the evidence that lung cancer screening saves lives?
Current Research indicates that annual CT screening improves the chances of cancer detection with a significant increase in survival. Chest x rays done at the same time failed to reveal the majority of early lung cancer that were detected by the CT scan. All studies indicate that the earlier the cancer is detected, the better the chances of the cure and survival.
How much radiation is used in the screening CT scan?
The screening CT scan is a low-dose scan, which means very little radiation is used. The radiation dosage is similar to that of a mammogram.
Will this CT scan show other lung abnormalities besides cancer?
Yes. The CT scan can show any abnormalities of the chest wall, ribs, the inside lining of the chest, and diaphragm. In addition it may reveal the presence of any other lung disease such as lung fibrosis, pleural effusion, scars, pneumonia, bronchiectasis or emphysema.
What happens if the Lung CT scan is abnormal?
Once an abnormality is detected, it will be discussed with you and your physician and you may require additional tests, biopsy or observation. Any further testing is usually done at a later time.
How much does the screening cost?
The average cost of a lung scan is $500. If one is symptomatic, referred by the physician and if there is a strong suspicion of a lesion in the chest, the CT scan may be covered by the insurance. Prior to the procedure it is best to determine the rules of coverage for screening CT scan.
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