About Lung Cancer Screening
More people in the US die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. This is true for both men and women. Until recently there has been no reliable way to detect lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage.
National Study Published
A landmark national study, published in August 2011 in the New England Journal of Medicine, reported that using low-dose CT scans can detect tumors early and reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 20 percent in high-risk smokers and ex-smokers. Based on these findings, ImageCare Medical Imaging launched a lung cancer screening program that uses low-dose CT scans to detect the smallest possible tumor. With these findings, the specially trained thoracic radiologists at ImageCare can provide patients with guidance through diagnostic evaluation, long term follow-up and, if needed, guidance on treatment.
The CT Lung Exam
How is the CT Lung exam performed?
The entire examination takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. The CT exam uses x-rays to produce images of the entire chest in less than ten seconds and only needs the patient to hold their breath one time.
Should I be concerned about Radiation from CT lung cancer screening?
Radiation used for CT lung cancer screening is far less than the dose for a routine diagnostic Chest CT exam. The amount of radiation from the screening is comparable to the average background radiation one gets in a year of living around Albany, NY. The screening also does not use contrast dye, which means there are no needles, no IV issues, no side effects involving the kidneys, and no chance of an allergic reaction.
Lung screen exams are now covered by insurance companies. The lung screen criteria is:
- Patient must have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and
- Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, and
- Be between 50 and 80 years old.
Who Qualifies?
CT lung cancer screening is an x-ray exam that uses a CT scanner to acquire detailed images of the lungs. The CT images demonstrate pathology as small as a few millimeters in size. This exam will benefit patients that are a high risk for lung cancer and can also provide information to their physicians about cardiovascular disease and other lung diseases.
The screening will benefit 50-80 year old asymptomatic smokers and former smokers.
Patient Forms
For your convenience you are now able to view and print pertinent forms online to have ready when you come in for your appointment. The forms below are in .PDF format.
Locations
Select a location:
Radiologists
ImageCare Medical Imaging’s Lung Cancer Screening CT will be interpreted by the following cardiothoracic imagers, just a few of our radiologists who are qualified to interpret Lung Cancer Screening studies.
Select a physician:
Schedule an Exam
How to you schedule a CT lung cancer screening exam?
The CT lung cancer screening uses low-dose radiation. As a result, you need a referral from your primary care physician to undergo the screening. Your primary care physician will review your smoking history, see if you are eligible for the screening, and can call ImageCare Medical Imaging to schedule the exam.
ImageCare Medical Imaging’s radiology schedulers have been trained to schedule this specialty exam.