CT Lung Cancer Screening

A chest CT lung cancer screening is a low-dose (low-radiation) chest CT exam used to detect early stage lung cancer before signs or symptoms appear. The screening may detect lung abnormalities or nodules that would not otherwise be visible on a plain chest x-ray. Many nodules will be non-cancerous and require no treatment. Some nodules may require further testing.

CT Lung Cancer Screening is considered an annual exam, and intended for individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Men and women who are between the ages of 55 to 80 (Medicare ages 55-77) and
• Current or former smokers (quit within last 15 years) and
• 30 pack year history (number of packs per day x number of years smoked)

An x-ray of the chest can be taken to look for early lung cancer, but recent medical studies have shown that low-dose CT scans provide better results. CT scans are able to detect very small nodules in the lung. Chest CT is especially effective for diagnosing lung cancer at its earliest, most curable stage.

In 2010, the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) found 20% fewer lung cancer deaths among participants screened with low-dose CT compared to those screened with chest X-rays.

A low-dose chest CT screening may detect lung abnormalities or nodules that would not otherwise be visible on a plain chest x-ray. Many nodules will be non-cancerous and require no treatment. Some nodules may require further testing. 

Your images will be interpreted by one of our board-certified radiologists. The results will be sent to your healthcare provider, so that they can review the results with you and determine if any follow-up is needed.

If the screening criteria is met (in "Who should have this screening"), CT Lung Cancer Screenings are covered by most insurance companies, including Medicare, with a referral from a healthcare provider. Be sure to check with your insurance plan to see if coverage is available for you.

The National Cancer Institute, lung cancer information