Mammography
Lung Cancer Screening CT
A lung cancer screening CT is a special type of CT scan designed to find small non-calcified lung nodules that may be the earliest sign of lung cancer. It is performed on patients with high risk for developing lung cancer using a very low radiation dose and does not require intravenous contrast. CT scanning has a much higher sensitivity for the detection of potentially pre-cancerous non-calcified lung nodules than conventional chest x-rays.
This page contains the following information about lung screening CT:
- Reasons for Having a Lung Cancer Screening CT
- Risks Involved in a Lung Cancer Screening CT
- Conditions to Let Your Doctor Know About
- Insurance Coverage for This Exam
- Exam Locations
- Scheduling Your Exam
- Preparation Guidelines
- What to Expect During Your Exam
- Recovering from Your Exam
- Getting Your Exam Results
Reasons for Having a Lung Cancer Screening CT
The lung cancer screening CT is a cost effective means for early lung cancer detection in patients at high risk of developing the disease.
Patients are considered at high risk if any of the following apply:
- 50-80 year old patients with a 10 pack-year or greater smoking history. (You have a 10 pack-year history if you have smoked 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 10 years, 2 packs a day for 5 years, etc.)
- History of exposure to agents known to cause lung cancer, such as asbestos.
- Obstructive airway disease as determined by pulmonary function tests.
Risks Involved in a Lung Cancer Screening CT
All CT scans involve the use of x-rays, however, the minimum possible radiation dose needed to obtain diagnostic images is used in performing this study. The radiation dose from a screening chest CT is equivalent to several chest x-rays and is felt to be extremely safe.
Conditions to Let Our Doctor Know About
In advance of your exam, let your Invision Sally Jobe radiologist or technologist know if any of the following circumstances apply to you:
- Inability to hold your breath for 30 seconds
- Inability to raise both hands above your head
- Currently pregnant
- Claustrophobia
If you have had a previous lung cancer screening CT, please let the imaging center staff know so they may obtain the results to compare to the study you are having.
Insurance Coverage for This Exam
Lung cancer screening CT is not usually covered by insurance at this time; however, Invision Sally Jobe currently offers this exam at a greatly reduced rate. You do not need a doctor’s referral for this exam, but it is advisable to have the results of the test sent to a doctor.
Some insurance plans may cover this exam, but only if your doctor orders it. Please check with your insurance company to be sure.
Exam Locations
This specialized CT scan can be done at the following Invision Sally Jobe locations in the Denver, Colorado area:
Scheduling Your Exam
To schedule this exam, call 720-493-3700.
Preparation Guidelines
No preparation is necessary for this exam.
What to Expect During Your Exam
When you arrive for your exam, you will be asked to change into a gown. You may also be asked to remove jewelry. Invision Sally Jobe provides secure lockers for your personal items during your exam.
A technologist will ask you a few questions pertaining to the exam and position you on the scanner table. You will be lying on your back for the scan. You will be required to hold your breath for about 30 seconds. Your exam will last about 15 minutes from start to finish.
Recovering from Your Exam
You can return to your normal activities immediately after the exam.
Getting Your Exam Results
A radiologist experienced in the interpretation of lung cancer screening CT scans will analyze the data and results from your exam and compile a report. This report will be mailed to you and, if you request it, also to a doctor of your choice. If abnormalities are found, we will contact you and your doctor to arrange for any necessary additional studies or follow-up exams, which are typically covered by insurance. During the exam, our radiologists and technologists will be happy to answer questions about the exam procedure itself; however, they will not immediately provide you with the results of your exam.
