Lung cancer screenings, like low-dose CT scans, can add years to your life — yet take less than a minute to perform. These simple scans can find lung nodules and identify cancer early before it spreads.
AdventHealth Tampa is pleased to offer these screenings for high-risk patients throughout the region. Nathan Minh Do, MD, pulmonologist at AdventHealth Tampa, shares more.
What are Lung Nodules?
Lung nodules are small spots on the lungs that show up as dark spots on scans. Lung nodules are associated with factors such as:
- Infections
- Inflammation
- Inhalation of foreign substances
- Smoking (the number one cause of lung cancer and lung nodules)
Most of the time, these nodules are benign (noncancerous), but can be early lung cancer tumors. Lung screenings can pinpoint nodules on your lungs and identify cancer early before it has a chance to spread to other parts of your body.
Low-Dose CT Scans for Lung Nodules
Low-dose CT scan, also called LDCT, is a simple scan done to screen for lung cancer. During this procedure, which takes less than a minute to complete, you lie on a table that slides into an imaging machine. A specialized technician takes a series of X-rays from different angles that are then combined to build a detailed picture of your lungs, including any nodules or other abnormalities. Your doctor receives the results of your exam within about a week.
You don’t have to do anything to prepare for this test. You can eat the morning of your exam and continue to take medications. Unlike some other screenings, you don’t need an IV or any contrast for the test.
For most high-risk patients, this scan is covered by Medicare or private insurance.
Who Should Get an LDCT?
The American Cancer Society recommends a low-dose CT scan if you are:
- A current smoker
- A past smoker who quit less than 15 years ago[MH1]
- A past smoker with a 20-pack-year history
- Between the age of 50 and 80
You can calculate your pack-year by the number of packs you smoke per day multiplied by how many years you have smoked. For example, if you smoke one pack of cigarettes per day and have smoked for 20 years, you have a 20-pack-year history.
If you meet these criteria, you’re considered high risk for lung cancer. And if you’re high risk and have other symptoms — including cough, shortness of breath or unexplained weight loss — it’s important to speak with your doctor right away.
“Whether you currently smoke or have quit smoking, you should get checked for lung cancer,” says Dr. Do. “Getting a low-dose lung CT scan is the most important thing you can do to catch cancer before it spreads, when it’s most treatable.”
Why is it Important to Catch Lung Cancer Early?
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths and the second leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
Catching cancer early means finding it when it’s most treatable. According to the American Lung Association, finding cancer before it spreads improves the five-year survival rate to 65%.
“Oftentimes, the nodules that we see on your LDCT are non-cancerous,” says Dr. Do. “However, we can keep our eye on them in case they grow or change over time. And if we find a nodule that is concerning, we’ll take the next steps to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for you as quickly as possible.”
For lung cancer that’s found early, surgery is the most effective treatment option. If you are not a candidate for surgery, your care team may recommend radiation.
Benefits of Quitting Smoking
It doesn't take long for your health to start to improve after you stop smoking:
| 20 minutes | Your heart rate and blood pressure improve. |
|---|---|
| 12 hours | The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops. |
| Weeks to months | Your circulation and lung function improve. |
| 1 – 9 months | Coughing and shortness of breath decrease. |
| One year | Your excess risk of coronary heart disease becomes half that of someone who still smokes. Your risk of a heart attack also drops dramatically. |
| Five years | Your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder is cut in half. Cervical cancer risk falls to that of a non-smoker. Stroke risk can fall to that of a non-smoker after 2 – 5 years. |
| 10 years | Your risk of dying from lung cancer drops to about half that of someone who still smokes. Your risk of pancreatic and laryngeal cancer decreases. |
| 15 years | Your risk of coronary heart disease becomes that of a non-smoker’s. |
“If you’re still smoking, the best thing you can do for your overall health is quit,” says Dr. Do. “And if you have a history of smoking, speak with your doctor right away to find the best lung cancer screening plan based on your health history.”
Get Ready to Breathe Easier
If you are at high risk for lung cancer, talk to your doctor about getting a low-dose CT scan today. Learn more or call Call813-615-7398 to schedule your appointment.
About Dr. Do
Nathan M. Do, MD, FCCP, is a board-certified pulmonologist who earned his Doctor of Medicine at Ross University School of Medicine. He completed two residencies in internal medicine at Mercer University School of Medicine and the University of Washington School of Medicine. He completed his fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. He is board certified in pulmonology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
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