Low Dose CT Lung Screening

Individuals who are at risk for lung cancer may be advised by their health care provider to have a low dose CT lung screening. This annual test can be a life-saver, but there are some things to know. Let’s get into some of the details.

What is Low Dose CT Lung Screening?

The CT in CT lung screening stands for “computed tomography.” This type of scan is a painless and non-invasive X-ray imaging technique. It is more detailed than a traditional X-ray, including numerous images taken at a range of angles, allowing our experienced radiologists to see more of the internal structures in a patient’s body, including soft tissues. This is vital when doing a CT scan in order to detect early stages of lung cancer. The more detailed and accurate images that a CT scan generates give healthcare professionals more information with which they can diagnose and treat a range of medical conditions, including lung cancer.

What sets a low dose CT (LDCT) lung screening apart from traditional CT scans is the level of radiation that is used, which can be anywhere from 50% to 80% less of a dose when compared to standard X-rays.

What To Expect During a Low Dose CT Lung Screening

Before a low dose CT scan, a patient will typically be advised to remove any jewelry or metal objects and to wear comfortable clothing that does not contain metal components, as metal can interfere with test results. Fasting or withholding food or drink for a set time period is not necessary. A patient will lie on a movable bed that slides into a donut-shaped chamber that is the CT scanner. They will need to remain as still as possible and it will be necessary to hold one’s breath for brief periods of time. The test only takes a few minutes to complete.

Who Should Consider Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening?

Since this is a test that is meant to detect the beginnings of lung cancer, it is generally reserved for those who are at the greatest risk. These could include:

• Adults 50 and older who are current or former smokers
• People who have smoked very heavily for many years (measured in “pack years”)
• Individuals who smoked heavily for some time but then quit within the last 15 years
• People with a history of lung cancer
• People with risk factors for lung cancer (e.g. COPD, family history, asbestos exposure)

Official recommendations are that only those who are in generally good health should have lung cancer screening done. In fact, screening is typically done on patients who don't have any signs or symptoms of lung cancer. This is because follow-up tests can lead to complications for those already dealing with serious health conditions. Screening can be done for many years as an ongoing preventive health test. Official channels advise that screening should be discontinued once a person has not smoked for 15 years or should they develop a serious health problem. 

Patients should know that there are some associated risks with LDCT, as is true with any medical test or treatment. But benefits generally outweigh the risks, and the test is only recommended for a select demographic who is most at risk for developing lung cancer, which is life threatening. Discuss with your healthcare provider whether low dose ct lung cancer screening is right for you based on your current and anticipated future state of health, along with available medical coverage and financial ability.

Low Dose CT Lung Screening In Beachwood, Ohio

If you are a patient in the Cleveland or Beachwood, Ohio area and you fit the qualifications of someone who could be at risk for lung cancer, your doctor may prescribe a low dose CT scan as part of your diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring plan. When it comes to having your test done, you have options. Advantage Diagnostics’ and CT scan equipment is the best available and our team of expert radiologists will quickly and accurately interpret your test results. Contact us today to request or submit a patient referral form, and to learn more about our suite of services.