Lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer, but there is hope. By screening
for lung cancer early, doctors can treat it when it is most likely to
be treatable and before it spreads.
The U.S. Preventive Services recommends lung cancer screenings for people who:
Smoke or smoked one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years
Are current smokers or have quit within the past 15 years
Are between 50 and 80 years old
Low-Dose CT Scans
To identify lung cancer earlier when it is most treatable, researchers
have determined a lung cancer screening by low-dose CT to be an effective
diagnostic tool. Low-dose CT scanning is a noninvasive, painless test
that uses low-dose radiation - similar to a mammogram - to view the lungs
for any suspicious nodules. This method works by taking multiple, 3-dimensional
pictures from inside the body to produce images of your lungs. These images
are quite detailed and show even the earliest stage of lung cancer that
may be too small for regular chest X-rays to detect. The test takes little
time and is read by a radiologist who reviews the scan. No preparation
for the test is needed.
This type of screening is now being recognized and covered by many insurance
plans due to its success rate in identifying lung cancer. Our staff will
help you with determining whether or not your insurance covers the cost
of the scan. Out-of-pocket costs are available upon request.
What Happens During a Low-Dose CT Scan?
During the scan, you will wear an exam gown and lie in the CT scanner with
your arms raised above your head as a small amount of radiation is used
to produce intricate images of your lungs. You must stay very still to
prevent any blurriness of the images, and you may be asked to hold your
breath for brief periods. While you are in the CT scanner, you may hear
whirring noises as the scan rotates in a spiral motion. The scan is painless,
noninvasive, and only takes a few minutes. There are no dyes or injections,
and you won’t have to swallow anything by mouth.
What if My Scan Finds Something Suspicious?
Results from a low-dose CT are returned promptly. It is important to note
that not all abnormalities found are cancerous or harmful. Once the scan
is completed, you will have a follow-up with a member of the Independence
Health System team to discuss your results. If you have a suspicious result,
you and the team will discuss further diagnostic testing.
To see if you qualify for a Lung Cancer Screening, please call
724-689-1440 (in the Westmoreland Area) and
724-284-6211 (in the Butler/Clarion Area).
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