Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening

Call 479.964.5999

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, killing more people than colon, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancers combined. Eighty percent of lung cancer cases occur in current or former smokers. Fortunately, this disease is often treatable if caught early.

Think of the scan results as a loaf of sliced bread. Your physician can look at each of the slices individually, or perform additional visualization to make 3-D images.

When is a low-dose CT lung cancer screening recommended?

Early detection of lung cancer in high-risk patients is critical. You are considered high risk if you meet the following criteria:

You are between the ages of 50 and 77 (Medicare covers up to 77 years of age, but private insurance may cover up to 80 years of age)
You have a smoking history of 20 pack years (1 pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years)
You are currently a smoker or have quit in the last 15 years

Take A Lung Health Assessment

CT scans Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center can perform include Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, and Extremities. The Hi Speed CT technology allows for 3D image reconstruction which reduces radiation exposure, exam time and provides improved imaging capabilities. For more information on CT Scanning call 479-968-2841.CT scans produce 3-D images of cross sectional parts of the body. CT scans are commonly used to diagnose strokes, hemorrhage, tumors, and certain internal injuries. CT can distinguish differences in bone, tissue, blood, fat, gas, fluid, etc. These scans determine if a growth is cystic or solid and if an organ’s shape and size are abnormal. During a CT scan you lie still on a table. As the table slowly passes through the center of a large x-ray machine, the scanning takes place. It is a painless procedure. IV and oral contrast are often utilized to aid in CT scans to make parts of your body show up better in the image.

Recent studies show that low-dose CT lung cancer screening can lower your risk of dying from lung cancer.