Body Scanning Services

Heart Scan	Lung Scan	Abdominal Scan	Bone Densitometry

Fig. 1
Preliminary scan used to localize the chest.

Fig. 2
High resolution CT image detects a small pulmonary nodule at the lung base.

The purpose of the lung scan is to screen for lung cancer at an early stage.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there are currently 173,100 new cases of lung cancer each year. Unfortunately, an estimated 164,000 people die from lung cancer each year.

Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer. It is estimated that 87% of lung cancers are caused by cigarette smoke. Other causes of lung cancer include: Radon exposure and work related exposures, such as asbestos. One of the best ways to cure lung cancer may be through early detection.

A recent study (New England Journal of Medicine, October 26, 2006) of 31,567 asymptomatic people at risk for lung cancer found that performing low-dose CT screening identified lung cancer in 484 people (1.5%).Of these patients with asymptomatic lung cancer, 412 (85%) has stage 1 (early) disease. The estimated 10 year survival for these patients is between 85% and 91%. For patients who underwent surgical resection of their cancer within one month of diagnosis, the estimated 10 year survival is between 88% to 95%.

As part of your lung cancer screening, the radiologist will perform a low-dose CT scan of your chest. You will need to hold your breath for several seconds while the scan is in progress. The goal of the scan is to detect lung nodules (potential cancers) at an early stage. If a nodule is detected, the radiologist will recommend appropriate follow-up or other diagnostic studies. Follow-up could involve a repeat CT scan of the chest at a three to twelve month interval, consultation with a pulmonary specialist, or in some cases, biopsy of the lung nodule.

If a nodule is found, the Radiologist will analyze the nodule using state-of-the art 3-dimensional computer software to further characterize the nodule, and measure the nodule’s volume. The volume of the nodule can be used to track the size of the nodule on future CT scans and will help the Radiologist identify any small signs of growth.

In addition, the Radiologist will review your scan for other signs of lung disease (emphysema, asbestosis) and other abnormalities in the chest such as aneurysms of the aorta, enlarged lymph nodes.

As part of your total body scan, the radiologist will perform a low-dose screening CT scan of your chest. You will need to hold your breath for several seconds while the scan is in progress. The purpose of the scan is to detect small (less than 1 cm) lung nodules. If a nodule is detected, the radiologist will recommend appropriate follow-up or other diagnostic studies. Follow-up could involve a repeat CT scan of the chest at a three to six month interval, consultation with a pulmonary specialist, or in some cases, biopsy of the lung nodule.