Annual Screening for Smokers and Ex-smokers – A Key to Early Lung Cancer Detection

According to the American Cancer Society, the chance of surviving 5 years or more is 64% if lung cancer is detected early before it has a chance to spread. Early detection and treatment serve as crucial factors in overcoming this disease. Unfortunately, lung cancer is often diagnosed when symptoms start to show or during its advanced stages, making treatment more challenging.

Individuals with a higher risk are recommended for annual lung cancer screenings for early detection. The first step in diagnosing lung cancer often involves imaging tools like a CT, MRI, PET, or PET/CT scan. Low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan is the gold standard in diagnosing lung cancer, as the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends.

“Please stay up to date on your medical check ups. It'll save your life,”

-Kathy Griffin, actress and lung cancer survivor.

Adults aged 50-80 years who

• Have a 20 pack-year smoking history and are currently smoking
• Have quit smoking within the past 15 years

If you or someone you care about fits any of these categories, it is a good idea to schedule a screening. Remember, early detection leads to favorable treatment outcomes.

Low-dose CT uses 5 times less radiation than a conventional CT scan. Even so, it is better than traditional chest X-ray because low-dose CT provides:

1. More detailed imaging - more sensitive in detecting small abnormalities
2. More accurate imaging - helps doctors to make the correct decision

With lesser radiation, a low-dose CT scan

• Takes less than 10 minutes
• Safer to be conducted annually

Moreover, unlike conventional CT scans, low-dose CT does not require an injection of contrast dye or the use of an IV. Thus, it is non-invasive. This convenience and efficiency should encourage individuals to get a lung cancer screening.

Low-dose CT scans are a highly effective medical diagnostic tool that provides detailed images. These scans can detect lung nodules, which are small abnormal masses in the lungs that may be cancerous. It is important to note that not all lung nodules are cancerous. In fact, many are scarring of the lungs caused by smoking, infections, or other lung diseases. However, it is crucial to monitor these nodules regularly to ensure that they do not become cancerous.

Nodules that remain unchanged from one yearly scan to the next are most likely non-cancerous. This is why it is important to have regular scans so that doctors can compare the images over time. If a nodule grows or changes, it could be a sign of cancer and should be addressed promptly. Early detection is key when it comes to treating lung cancer, and regular low-dose CT scans can help catch any potential issues before they become too serious. If you have any concerns about lung nodules, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine the best course of action.

If the low-dose CT scan picks up a concerning lung nodule, your doctor may prescribe further testing, including a biopsy of the lung nodule. There are various ways of obtaining the tissue sample from the potentially cancerous area (biopsy):

• Sputum cytology - A sputum sample is the mucus coughed up from the lungs. It is only helpful for finding cancer in the major airways.
• Bronchoscopy biopsy - A lighted tube is run through the mouth or nose into the large airways. Doctors are able to visualize the conditions inside the airways while searching for the tumors. At the same time, a biopsy can be done if a tumor is seen.
• Thoracentesis - A needle is inserted between the ribs (where the lungs are) to drain fluid if there is any. The fluid collected is checked for cancer cells.
• Needle biopsy - With the use of a syringe and hollow needle, doctors can biopsy the cancerous area by sucking out a small amount of affected tissue. Depending on the biopsied location, it can be a transtracheal, a transbronchial, or a transthoracic needle biopsy. The needle is often guided by ultrasound, fluoroscopy (similar to an x-ray), or a CT scan to the biopsy site.
• Surgical biopsy - An open cut is made in the chest under general anesthesia to obtain a tissue sample. This is only done if the biopsy site is difficult to reach. The opening can be done as a keyhole or an open cut.

There are a number of tests to help determine whether you have lung cancer or not. Be encouraged by the number of resources available. Knowing that there are a variety of options available can be comforting for those who may be experiencing symptoms or have concerns about their health.