Low dose ct scan for lung cancer with or without contrast

We know early detection is one of the best defenses against cancer. Lung cancer screening is a painless, non-invasive procedure we offer to detect lung cancer in people who don't have symptoms. Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. By the time symptoms appear, cancer has likely spread and is more difficult to treat. When lung cancer is found early, treatments can lead to remission and recovery.

Take a Lung Health Assessment

Stop lung cancer in its tracks.

If you are a smoker or a former smoker, a simple screening could save your life. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and 85% of cases occur in cigarette smokers. Studies show that lung CT scans using low doses of radiation can effectively detect lung cancer in its earliest stages and most importantly, lower your risk of dying from lung cancer.

A physician referral (order) is required for this exam. 

• A low-dose lung screening is capable of detecting very small but potentially cancerous cells at the earliest stages, which may allow for the least invasive treatment options.
• Screening can aid in reducing the risk of dying from lung cancer by 80%.**

What is LDCT lung cancer screening?

LDCT (low-dose computed tomography) works much like an x-ray exam to produce pictures of your chest and lungs. This high-quality lung screening detects lung abnormalities but with 90 percent less ionizing radiation than a conventional CT scan. If you have a high risk of lung cancer but no signs or symptoms, a LDCT screening could help you catch potentially cancerous spots at their earliest and most treatable stage.

You are considered high risk if you are:

• Between the ages of 55 and 77
• Have a smoking history of 30 pack years (1 pack per day for 30 years)
• Currently a smoker or have quit in the last 15 years

Initial Consultation and CT Scan
If you would like to undergo a LDCT lung screening, the first step is an appointment with your primary care provider. This appointment will be a time to discuss your age, smoking history and other factors in order for your physician to determine if you are eligible for screening. If you are eligible, your primary care provider will schedule your low-dose lung CT scan.

What happens next?

Your medical provider will call you soon after your screening to explain your results and discuss any additional necessary medical care. If the CT scan were to detect any potentially cancerous nodules, another screening may be needed after a few months to monitor your lungs’ conditions. Regardless of your results, annual screenings are recommended, as yearly low-dose CT scans have been shown to decrease mortality in patients who had increased risk due to smoking.

Is Screening Covered By My Insurance?
Medicare now covers the cost of low-dose CT screening for high risk patients. Many private health insurers provide coverage as well. Your physician will give you more specific details about eligibility and costs during your consultation.

Remember… A LDCT screening can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages, but it cannot prevent or cure disease. The only way to stop cancer before it starts is to stop smoking. If you think you may be ready to quit, talk to your primary care provider for guidance and helpful tips.

Schedule Your Low Dose Lung Cancer CT Scan. Contact the Central Scheduling Department at 575.521.5270 (a physician's order is required).

The field of radiology is known for being instrumental in saving the lives of many and, when it comes to lung cancer, early detection can make the difference between life and death. In order to better detect the early development of lung cancer, many radiology centers offer traditional CT scan screenings of the chest. Low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening are a technique specifically recommended for detecting lung cancer in certain types of patients - traditionally those that are high-risk for developing the condition.  

How Does a CT Scan Work?

A computed tomography scan, most commonly referred to as a CT Scan (or CAT scan), is a popular noninvasive test that utilizes x-ray and computer technology. This combined technology serves as the perfect tool to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of a body, which can later be manipulated by radiologists to examine specific areas.

CT scans are most commonly used to create clearer images than x-rays can produce alone. Specifically, CT scans are helpful when examining the chest, abdomen, pelvis, or extremities like an arm or leg. The scan can also be used to image organs such as the liver, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, sinuses, lungs, and heart. CT technology is incredibly diverse, allowing radiologists to examine blood vessels, bones, the spinal cord, and even the brain in great detail. It’s a diverse procedure that’s being applied more and more to assist with lung cancer screening. 

A low-dose spiral chest CT scan differs from a regular CT scan in a few key ways. The main difference is the amount of radiation emitted, which is over five times lower in a low-dose CT scan than that absorbed during a full-dose CT scan. This is hugely important, since many patients who are high risk for conditions like lung cancer must be screened fairly frequently. Being able to minimize the amount of exposure during the screening process through low-dose CT is crucial. 

Low-dose CT scans are generally used only on people with either a very high-risk of developing lung cancer or on patients who already have lung cancer since the margin of error is usually too great with people who are low-risk, often resulting in more tests than necessary.

Low-Dose CT Scans For Lung Cancer Screenings

High-risk smokers who can withstand chest surgery are the most likely to benefit from low-dose CT scans. A high-risk smoker is classified as someone ages 55 to 80 who has a 30 “pack year” smoking history, meaning they’ve smoked a pack a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, or three packs a day for 10 years. It’s worth noting that new screening guidelines have been recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force, which alter the guidelines to patients ages 50-80 who have a pack year history of just 20 years or longer. 

One of the biggest downsides to low-dose CT scans is that the procedure can be expensive, and insurance providers usually only pay for the test if the patient has a very high risk of developing lung cancer. That being said, for high-risk patients, these scans can be crucial in detecting early-stage lung cancer before it progresses.

Before deciding whether this test is right for you, speak to one of our specialists about the benefits and downsides of a low-dose CT scan for determining lung cancer. Getting screened by a CT scan is vital when treating lung cancer for smokers, and the earlier you get yourself screened the better chance you’ll have of effectively treating the disease.