Radiology
Lung Cancer Screening
Lung Cancer Screening (Low Dose CT)
Catching lung cancer at earlier stages can dramatically increase a patient’s treatment options and survival rate. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but fortunately, Windsong offers a lung cancer screening, called a low-dose CT (LDCT), that can detect lung cancer. It can show lung cancer at early stages that may not be visible on a chest X-ray.
Frequently Asked Questions
You are eligible for a lung cancer screening if you are at least 50-years old, currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years, and have a 20 pack-year smoking history.
To calculate your pack-year history, multiply the number of years you smoked by the number of packs of cigarettes per day. Click here to calculate your lung cancer risk.
This procedure is painless and can last from 15 to 45 minutes. You’ll lie on a table that rides on a track through the doughnut-shaped scanner. You’ll be asked to relax and lie still so that the machine can capture clear images. At times, you may be asked to hold your breath for up to 10 seconds. During the scan, you may hear low humming sounds from the CT machine as it rotates around you, producing images from different angles. These images are then studied on a computer screen by your radiologist.
Please arrive 30 minutes early at a hospital location and 10 minutes early at outpatient centers. Do not eat for one hour prior to your exam.
One of our subspecialized physicians will review your scan and send a report to your physician. Your physician will contact you to discuss the results. If your scan is normal, you may wish to obtain a repeat study in one year. If the radiologist detects a pulmonary nodule that raises concern, you may be asked to return for a diagnostic CT exam. Keep in mind that nodules detected on the screening exam are often determined simply to be benign granulomas or scars – not cancer – on the diagnostic study.
Visit our Locations page for more information. Imaging modalities and associated studies vary by location. Please contact us to schedule your visit at a convenient location near you.
Request an appointment online or contact us at 716-631-2500.
Recently, insurance providers have started covering CT Lung Cancer Screenings at varying levels. Since insurance results can differ based on the plan, please call (716) 631-2500 so that we can help you determine your personal insurance coverage. If your insurance provider does not cover the screening, or if you do not have insurance, you will be billed at the time of service. If additional imaging is recommended as a follow-up to the CT Lung Cancer Screening, these scans are typically covered by insurance.
