Lung Cancer Screening
THE SOONER YOU SCREEN, THE SOONER WE TREAT.
The 5-year survival rate of lung cancer is less than 20%. But when detected early and the disease is limited to the lungs, that survival rate jumps to over 55%. However, only 16% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage1, that’s why it’s crucial for longtime smokers to screen for lung cancer. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you may still be at risk. Be on the safe side. Screen early and improve your chances for survival.
LOW-DOSE CT SCREENINGS: THE EASIEST WAY TO CATCH LUNG CANCER EARLY
With Low-Dose CT Screenings (LDCT), lung cancer can be detected and treated in its earliest stage. Studies have shown a 14-20% decrease in lung cancer mortality in high-risk patients who had yearly LDCT screening
A GROUP EFFORT, FOR BETTER CARE
Augusta Health is committed to open communication across disciplines to provide care. This means our thoracic patients benefit from other service lines— resulting is an easier, improved patient experience.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY WITH A PERSONALIZED TOUCH
Patients can be diagnosed and treated in one place. We offer a full range of pulmonary function testing capabilities, including:
· Spirometry to measure lung volumes
· Carbon monoxide diffusion studies
· Pre- and post-exercise studies
· Arterial blood gas studies
· Simple pulse oximetry
· Bronchoscopy tools to help determine a diagnosis and treatment options
Call 540-332-4400
to schedule a screening today.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE RESULTS
About 1 out of 4 Low Dose CT lung screening exams will find something in the lung that may require additional imaging or evaluation. Usually these findings are lung nodules.
Lung nodules are small collections of tissue in the lung. These nodules are very common, and the vast majority, more than 97% – are not cancer (benign). Most are either lymph nodes or small areas of scarring from past infection.
Less commonly, lung nodules are cancer. If a small lung nodule is found to be cancer the cancer can be cured more than 90% of the time. That is why we are screening you.
In order to distinguish the large number of benign (non-cancerous) nodules from the few that are in fact cancer, we may need to get more images before your next yearly screening exam. If the nodule has suspicious features (for example, it is large, has an irregular shape or grows over time), we will refer you to a specialist for further testing.
When will I get the results of my LDCT lung screening exam?
The report of your LDCT lung screening exam will be sent to your physician within 48 hrs. You will receive the results of your exam within 2 weeks. If you do not hear from us within 2 weeks, please call our lung screening navigator, Deb Egger at 540-332-5349.