What to expect when undergoing this test
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), a.k.a.
It is recommended for people who are considered to be at high risk for the disease.
LDCT is not intended for everyone.
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In particular, it has limited value in people under age 50.
Purpose of Test
Lung cancer is often diagnosed when the disease isadvanced, frequently atstage 4disease.
This is the most advanced stage, in which themalignancyhas spread to distant organs.
Due to late detection, the one-yearsurvival ratefor these individuals is only around 19%.
This would prompt further diagnostic testing.
Are You a Candidate?
If you do, there are no absolute reasons that would prohibit CT lung screening from being performed.
However, unlike the USPSTF, it does not place a time limit on when to stop annual screening.
As with all radiotherapy procedures, the benefits and risks should be weighed prior to the test.
In addition, every effort should be made to deliver the lowest effective dose.
People with these types of implants should not be screened with CT scans for lung cancer.
That is far lower than the 1 in 5 risk of cancer in the general population.
That is not to suggest that there is no risk associated with LDCT.
However, the benefits in high-risk individuals almost universally outweigh any concerns.
False-Positive Results
For a screening test to be adopted, it needs to be bothsensitive and specific.
This means that it needs to deliver a high degree of both true positive and true negative results.
The same cannot be said for younger people or those at low or moderate risk of lung cancer.
For these individuals, LDCT screening may be counterproductive and potentially harmful.
LDCT lung cancer screening is a relatively simple exam.
It takes less than a minute to perform, and no medications or needles are used.
you might eat before and after the test.
Under theAffordable Care Act, LDCT lung cancer screeningshouldbe fully covered as anessential health benefit.
You cantake a quizon the American Lung Association’s website to help determine your eligibility.
This is unlike traditional CT scans, in which individual images are taken, one after the next.
You will be asked to hold your breath as your body is passed through the gantry.
A radiology technician will monitor the procedure from behind a protective screen.
The entire imaging process takes less than 10 seconds to perform.
LDCT lung cancer screening does not involve any medications orcontrast dyes.
It is also not associated with side effects.
If an abnormality is noted, your healthcare provider may order additional tests.
By testing annually and comparing past images with current ones, subtle changes can often be spotted.
However, there may come a point when screening may no longer be recommended or useful under certain conditions.
No matter how many years you have smoked, quitting can dramatically reduce your risk of cancer over time.
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