Early detection of lung cancer changes everything – from the way it’s treated to quality of life and life expectancy.
At UT Southwestern Medical Center, the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a low-dose CT lung cancer screening to look for potentially cancerous spots in people who are at the highest risk for developing lung cancer. For patients over age 50 who have smoked the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, the risk for lung cancer is high enough to be screened.
The CT Advantage
The primary purpose of a computed tomography (CT) screening is to detect and diagnose lung cancer at an early stage to improve treatment options and effectiveness. The pictures of the lungs provided by a low-dose CT scan are better for finding abnormalities than a traditional chest X-ray.
Our specialists review the CT images for the presence of lung nodules, masses, or other abnormalities that might indicate lung cancer and, if any are found, can begin the necessary treatment.
A study conducted by the National Cancer Institute of more than 50,000 current or former heavy smokers revealed that participants who received low-dose helical CT scans had a 20 percent lower risk of dying from lung cancer than participants who received standard chest X-rays.
The amount of radiation received during a lung cancer screening CT exam is less than the amount received annually from naturally occurring radiation that’s present in the environment. Our state-of-the-art imaging services are accredited by the American College of Radiology.
Risks and Considerations
CT scans can potentially pick up spots in the lungs that are ultimately revealed not to be cancerous, but their presence could lead to anxiety about the findings. The process to determine if these spots are benign or malignant can include additional procedures to help diagnose the findings and, in a small percentage of cases, can involve surgeries that would otherwise not be recommended. Also, the small dose of radiation from the exam poses a small and negligible risk of causing cancer.
Insurance and CT Screening
The CT screening might be covered by some health insurance carriers if certain criteria are met, such as:
- Age 50 to 80
- History of smoking one pack a day for 20 years
- No other lung disease issues
- Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
Patients who think they meet these criteria should check with their primary care physician or call 214-645-XRAY (9729).
What to Expect During the Screening
During the exam, the patient lies flat on the CT table while the scanner rotates around the table, gathering images of the inside of the lungs. The CT images provide the radiologist with detailed information that will be used to detect and diagnose disease. The entire screening exam is typically completed in approximately 10 minutes.
How We Deliver Results
A UT Southwestern radiologist will interpret the exam. The results are provided to both the patient and the physician designated by the patient when scheduling the appointment for the screening.
As a follow-up to the exam, patients can call the Lung Cancer Screening Program at 214-645-8300 to schedule an appointment to discuss the findings with a UT Southwestern pulmonary specialist. This appointment is not included in the screening fee, but we will check to confirm coverage by the patient’s health insurance provider.
