PINELLAS PARK
6600 66th Street N Ste B
Pinellas Park FL 33781
(727) 544-1001
SERVING OUR PATIENTS
AT TWO LOCATIONS
TAMPA
10010 N Dale Mabry Hwy Ste 160
Tampa FL 33618
(813) 264-7176
ACCREDITED BY THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY
CT LUNG CANCER
SCREENING
WHAT IS CT LUNG CANCER SCREENING?
Computerized Tomography (CT), also known as Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT Scan), is a painless diagnostic procedure using low amounts of radiation to generate a sequence of highly detailed images. A computer then takes these images and compiles them into complete cross-sectional images (“slices”) of the area of the body being scanned. CT scans help radiologists to diagnose most cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases and traumas
BEFORE YOUR CT LUNG CANCER SCREEING
We recommend that you wear loose fitting clothing, without any metal snaps or zippers. Gowns will be available to you if necessary. Accurate information regarding your medical history must be obtained when scheduling your appointment.
CT Lung Screening is one of the easiest screening exams you can have. The exam itself takes just a few seconds. No medications are given, and no needles are used. You can eat before and after the exam. You do not even need to get changed as long as the clothing on your chest does not contain metal. You must, however, be able to hold your breath for a few seconds while the scan is being taken.
DURING YOUR CT LUNG CANCER SCREENING
Usually, your CT Lung Cancer Screening will only take a few seconds, depending on the exam ordered by your doctor. Our CT technologist will explain the exam to you.
In the CT room, the technologist will assist you onto the examination table. Once you are comfortable, the table will slide into the CT scanner which resembles a large “doughnut”. During the exam, the technologist will have you in full view and will be able to answer any questions you might have.
Periodically, you will be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time. This will help generate clearer images.
AFTER YOUR CT LUNG CANCER SCREENING
After consulting with the CT technologist, you may leave. Unless you have received special instructions, you will be able to eat and drink immediately. The radiologist will carefully review the images from your CT exam and send a full report of the findings to your doctor, who will then discuss the findings with you.
CT LUNG CANCER SCREENING EXAM PREPARATION
No advance preparation is required.
If you feel feverish, please call this to our attention.
Please let us know if you might be pregnant.
Please bring copies of your most recent CT films and reports with you to the exam. They will be returned after the radiologist has reviewed them.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS CT LUNG CANCER SCREENING
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women worldwide. Nearly 160,000 Americans die of lung cancer each year. On December 31, 2013, after years of discussion and evidence gathering, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) gave its final recommendation for annual screening with CT for individuals at risk for lung cancer. Based on the findings of the USPSTF, we know that CT Lung Screening can save lives of people at risk for developing lung cancer.
The goal of CT Lung Screening is to save lives. Without CT Lung screening, lung cancer is usually not found until a person develops symptoms. At that time, the cancer is more difficult to treat.
Studies have shown that CT Lung Screening can lower the risk of death from lung cancer by 20 percent in people who are at high risk.