Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening

LOW-DOSE CT LUNG CANCER SCREENING

Low-Dose Computed Tomography (CT) Screening for people at high risk for lung cancer.

Lung cancer remains the most common cause of cancer death in the United States and Canada. The publication of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) has established the ability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans to decrease lung-specific mortality by 20% in a screened high-risk population. Early detection is a proven, successful strategy.

About Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening
What is Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening?
The exam for CT lung cancer screening is a low-dose CT exam, with a radiation dose of approximately 1.5 mSv (millisieverts), equivalent to approximately half of the naturally occurring background radiation that a person receives for one year at sea level.
The low-dose CT exam does not require intravenous contrast.

What can be detected with Low-Dose CT for Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer most commonly manifests as a noncalcified pulmonary nodule.
Computed tomography (CT) is superior to chest radiography for detecting pulmonary nodules.
Low-dose CT scans showing no noncalcified pulmonary nodules are regarded as negative results.
If solitary or multiple nodules are detected, recommendations for further procedures are made.
  • Should I be screened?
  • Who IS an appropriate candidate for Low Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer?
  • Are you a current or former heavy smoker between the ages of 55 and 74?
  • On average did you smoke one pack per day for 30 years or 2 packs per day for 15 years or 1 pack a day for the last 30 years?
  • Has it been less than 15 years since you stopped smoking?
  • Has it been more than one year since your last CT?
If you answered "YES" to ALL of the above, you are encouraged to schedule a Low-Dose CT Screening for lung cancer. Talk to your primary care physician then call Heart Care Centers of Illinois to schedule your screening.

Who MAY BE an appropriate candidate for Low Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer?
  • Are you 50 years of age or older and smoked tobacco for 20 years?
  • Have you been exposed to radon, silica, cadmium, asbestos, arsenic, beryllium, chromium, diesel fumes, or nickel?
  • Do you have a personal history of cancer? 
  • Do you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis?
If you answered "YES" to ANY of the above, we'd like to discuss whether a Low-Dose CT screening may be appropriate for you.

About the Procedure
What happens during a Low-Dose CT Screening procedure?
A patient lies in the 64-slice CT scanner. Your technician will sit behind a window during the CT scan; however, your technician will be able to see, hear, and speak with you at all times. During the approximately 30 second exam, you will be asked to lie very still and hold your breath.

How Do You Prepare for Low-Dose CT Screening
There are no pre test preparations for Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer.

Is Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer covered by Insurance?
Most private insurers and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services do not currently cover this type of screening.

Where can I get a Low-Dose CT Screening?
Low-Dose CT Screening is available at Heart Care Centers of Illinois Palos Park Clinic located at 13011 S. 104th Avenue, Suite 100, Palos Park, IL 60464. Contact us today to schedule your screening.

Heart Care Centers of Illinois offers a full range of CT imaging:
  • Chest/Thorax CT
  • CT Chest to exclude Pulmonary Embolism
  • CT Chest for Thoracic Aneurysm
  • Abdominal and/or Pelvic CT
  • Head/Brain CT
  • Neck CT
  • CT angiography of the Peripheral Arteries
  • Renal Artery Angiography
  • Carotid Artery Angiography
  • CT Calcium Scoring
  • Low-Dose CT for Lung CA Screening
Heart Care Centers of Illinois' Computed Tomography (CT) Laboratory is proud to be accredited by The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission as an ICACTL.
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