Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and causes more deaths than any other type of cancer in both men and women. One reason it is so dangerous is that people often do not notice symptoms in the early stages, when the chance of successful treatment and survival is highest.
In its early stages, lung cancer appears as a small spot or lump in the lung called a nodule. Most lung nodules are not cancerous, but some can grow and spread if they are not found and treated early. A special imaging test called a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) can help doctors detect these nodules early.
An LDCT scan uses a small amount of radiation, only slightly more than a standard X-ray or a mammogram, and is considered safe for screening. A large multicenter study, the National Lung Screening Trial, followed more than 53,000 adults between ages 55 to 74 who had a history of smoking. The study found that yearly low-dose CT scans lowered the risk of dying from lung cancer by 20%.
Most insurance plans now cover lung cancer screening for people who:
- Are between 50 and 77 years old
- Currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years
- Have a 20-pack-year smoking history
A “pack-year” is a way to measure smoking history. For example:
- One pack per day for 20 years is equal to 20 pack-years
- Half a pack per day for 40 years is equal to 20 pack-years
If the scan finds a lung nodule, it is important to follow up quickly. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can lower survival rates and increase the chance of the cancer returning later.
To help patients receive fast and coordinated care, Northside Hospital Cancer Institute created the Lung Nodule Clinic (LNC). This clinic focuses on quickly diagnosing and treating suspicious lung nodules.
Patients can be referred by their doctor or refer themselves to the LNC after a nodule or abnormal lung finding is discovered on a CT scan or other imaging test. Specialists from different medical fields, including pulmonology, surgery, oncology, radiology and radiation therapy work together to review each case and create a treatment plan.
Each patient is also assigned an oncology nurse navigator who helps schedule tests, appointments and treatments to make the process easier and more organized.
FIND MORE ABOUT THE LUNG NODULE CLINICS AT NORTHSIDE.
