Lung cancer remains the number one cancer killer in the U.S., claiming more lives than the next three most common cancer killers — prostate, breast and colorectal cancers – combined. CT lung screening may help with the early diagnosis and ultimately, increased survival rates, for lung cancer patients.
Imaging methods to examine the lungs include chest X-ray, low-radiation-dose chest CT and standard-radiation-dose chest CT. Low-radiation-dose CT is appropriate for cancer screening because it has been demonstrated to be more sensitive than X-ray in detecting cancer, with less radiation exposure than standard chest CT.
CT technology is used to detect pulmonary nodules, collections of abnormal tissue in the lungs that may be early manifestations of lung cancer. These nodules are often detectable by CT before physical symptoms of lung cancer develop. Early detection of pulmonary nodules through CT screenings has been shown to improve survival compared with patients not undergoing CT screening.
Emory Healthcare is currently offering low-radiation-dose CT lung screening for patients with a significant history of tobacco use.
Review criteria/preparation information for CT Lung Scans.
We encourage you to discuss your risks and the benefits of CT lung screening with your primary care provider.
For all other questions regarding the lung screening program; please call 404-686-LUNG (5864).