CT Lung Screening

Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer in the United States.  222,520 people are expected to die from Lung Cancer this year alone and there is no reliable way to detect it in its earliest stage when it is most treatable.  New research suggests that screening a high risk population for lung cancer can drastically reduce the number of mortalities from this disease. 

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.

Can I just have a chest XRAY?
No, the resolution of a CT is much better than that of a general XRAY.  The CT can detect very small abnormalities that can be treated very early.  In general, a chest xray can only detect a mass in the lungs when it gets to be a larger size.

Who should get a CT of the chest?
A screening is useful for those individuals who are at high risk for lung cancer: Smokers aged 55-74 years old with a 30 pack year history.

What is the NLST?
The National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST) was a national study done by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).  It was the largest randomized study of lung cancer screening in a high risk group and the results were so impressive that the study was stopped early.  The National Cancer institute stopped the study early after early results showed that CT screenings for a high risk population of current and former smokers 55-74 years old showed a 20% decline in lung cancer deaths compared with XRAY screenings.

How much radiation is used?
Across the United States on average a conventional CT effective dose is about 8 mSv.  At NDIC we have only board certified CT technologist and strive to give our patients the lowest radiation dose possible.  On average for Lung CT screenings our does are >3 mSv.

What happens if the results of the Lung CT scan are abnormal?
If an abnormal test is detected it will be discussed with you and your physician. 

What is the cost associated with this exam?
On average, a lung CT is around $500.  NDIC is offering the exam for $145. 
Generally it is not covered by your insurance.