According to the American Lung Association, 134,592 people died from lung cancer in year 2021. The lung cancer death rate in men was higher than in women. However, early detection plays an integral role in increasing the survival rate. It also increases the life expectancy rate by 5 years. CT lung screening plays an indispensable role in the early detection of lung cancer. This chest CT scan allows us to identify and detect any abnormality within the lungs and the surrounding area. Usually, the lung scan symptoms do not come to the surface until the cancer reaches an advanced stage. This is where the use of scans comes to identify any abnormality. In this post, you will read about what CT lung screening is, how it works, who needs it, and what are the guidelines for it. 

What is a CT Lung Screening?

A CT lung screening is a non-invasive imaging test that helps to detect any abnormality within the lungs and its surrounding area by taking high-quality images. The specialized chest CT scan uses low doses of radiation that are not harmful, and it takes detailed cross-sectional pictures of the lungs, offering an in-depth view. The scan is specifically designed to detect lung cancer and other abnormalities at an early stage when it is much easier to treat the disease. The scan is performed at a hospital or the imaging center. However, it is not covered by all health insurance plans; there are a very few.

Who Should Consider a CT Lung Screening?

Cancer is a silent, deadly disease. You never know when it comes to your door and get settled in your home until you start feeling congested on a random day.  That is when you know that your property has been invaded and you are no longer the owner. However, you may avoid this from happening by adopting a proactive approach of identifying the risk factors and going for the scan. The people who must consider the CT lung screening include the following: 

1. If you are a smoker or have a history of chain smoking, then you must go for the scan. The United States Preventive Services Task Services strongly recommends annual screening for lung cancer. According to USPSTS, people aged between 50 and 80, those who have a smoking history of 20 packs per year smoking, and those who currently smoke must go for the scan.

2. People who have a family history of smoking, lung cancer, or any other lung disease must go for the scan.

3. Individuals who get exposed to secondhand smoke or chemical toxins must consult with their doctor and go for a CT lung screening. 

What are the Guidelines for CT Lung Screening Eligibility?

The United States Preventive Services Task Services have set the guidelines for CT lung screening eligibility. The guidelines include the following: 

• The individual must be between 50 to 80.

• The person has a smoking history of 20 packs a year. This means that you have smoked one pack of cigarettes each day for 20 years or two packs of cigarettes per day for 10 years. 

• Lastly, the person should be a current smoker or have a history of smoking within the last 15 years. 

It is important to mention all these requirements for people having a high-risk rate of cancer. However, that does not exclude people having a low risk of cancer. 

CT Lung Screening and Other Imaging Scans 

Apart from lung scans, some scans that hold significance include MRI and chest X-ray. MRI scans and X-rays are for soft tissues. These scans also work on the principle of CT lung screening. However, the latter is considered a golden standard for detecting any issue or abnormality within the lungs. 

What to Expect during a CT Lung Screening?

The CT lung screening has a simple procedure, but it is important to prepare yourself for a few things:

• Always wear loose clothing on the scan day, and do not wear any kind of jewelry. 

• Drink plenty of water before the scan. 

• If you have any issues like medical allergies, then it is better to state them to your doctor first. 

Conclusion 

A CT lung screening is a non-invasive imaging test that helps to detect any abnormality within the lungs and its surrounding area by taking high-quality images. The specialized chest CT scan uses low doses of radiation that are not harmful, and it takes detailed cross-sectional pictures of the lungs, offering an in-depth view. However, it is important to choose an accredited lab for the scan that works as per standard guidelines, such as ViaScan of Las Colinas. The imaging center offers all kinds of lung scans with great precision and accuracy. You may visit the website for more information.