Lung Cancer Screening

Description: In the United States, there are approximately 160,000 deaths from lung cancer each year, making it the leading cause of cancer deaths.  Early detection of lung cancer is critical.  Treatment at early stages of lung cancer can lead to more treatment options, less invasive surgery, and a higher survival rate.  Until recently, there has been no reliable way to detect lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage.  However, new findings revealed by a large government-funded clinical trial called the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) showed a 20% reduction in lung cancer deaths when detected on a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan compared to chest x-rays.

Lung Cancer Screening uses computed tomography (CT) imaging to take highly detailed pictures of your lungs.  The examination is “low-dose” which means there is significantly less radiation exposure compared to a standard CT examination.  No medications or injections are used.

What To Expect During a CT Lung Cancer Screening:

• You will be asked to undress from the waist up and put on a hospital gown
• You will lie on a table that glides into the donut-shaped CT scanner.
• You will hear humming and swooshing noises as the pictures are taken.
• The Lung Cancer Screening takes less than 5 minutes to complete

Patient Preparations for a CT Lung Cancer Screening: 

• There are no eating or drinking restrictions because medications and injections are not used.
• If you are wearing a shirt or bra with buttons or metal, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown from the waist up.