Lung Cancer Screening and Results

Lung cancer can be an aggressive disease. It's often hard to spot in its early stage, but advancements are being made in detecting and treating the disease. That's why it’s so important to have regular screenings if you’re at higher risk for developing lung cancer.

Early detection of lung cancer

When you come to AHN Cancer Institute, you benefit from the latest diagnostic and treatment advances in lung cancer. Our comprehensive lung cancer team uses the most sophisticated treatment techniques and technologies to treat your lung cancer and detect it earlier.  Your treatment will be specific to your type and stage of lung cancer — personalized for you and your specific diagnosis. We see you at the center of everything.

AHN is accredited by the Screening Center of Excellence and Lung Cancer Screening Center. For you that means you’re getting the most comprehensive care. To earn this accreditation, AHN must operate  at the highest level of experience, qualifications, and technical specifications.

Lung cancer risk factors

Since lung cancer doesn't have many symptoms early on in the disease, it's important to know the top lung cancer risk factors.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes  is the leading risk factor for lung cancer and being exposed to secondhand smoke also increases your risk for lung cancer. Any smoke ingested into the lungs can cause health problems and lead to increased risk of disease.

Radon gas

Radon is a radioactive, naturally occurring gas that is emitted from the breakdown of uranium in soil. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. It can enter in through cracks in homes or buildings, and when there’s exposure in high concentration, it can cause lung cancer.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that was once used in many building materials. Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma.

Exposure to pollution and chemicals

Air pollution, especially from diesel exhaust, can increase your risk of lung cancer.

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT)

What is an LDCT?

A low-dose computed tomography or LDCT is used to screen for lung cancer in people who are at high risk, such as those who smoke, have smoked, or have a history of lung cancer. There is no prep work for a LDCT and it is safe and painless—taking only 15 minutes to complete.

LDCT results

An LDCT or sometimes called a low-dose CT is a lung cancer screening that will provide your care team in-depth, detailed images of any potential issues or problem areas.

Understand your lung cancer screening results

The results from your LDCT will show your doctor if there are lung nodules present. A lung nodule can vary in size, they can be benign or some can be cancerous. Your doctor will be able to review your LDCT results to either monitor the size of a nodule or determine if further evaluation is needed. Depending on your LDCT, you may be assigned a Lung-RADS score.

Lung-RADS Score

Lung-RADS is a lung cancer screening system that uses chest CT  to identify people who are at high risk of developing lung cancer. It is based on the size, shape, and location of lung nodules, as well as other factors such as the patient's age, smoking history, and family history of lung cancer.

The Lung-RADS score ranges from 0 to 4. A score of 1 is normal. A score of 2 is benign (not cancer). A score of 3 is likely benign but may require more frequent monitoring. If you have a score of 4, our Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Lung Conference reviews the results for the best next steps.

Lung cancer screening locations 

Ample locations mean ample opportunities to find care that's convenient for you. Visit our locations page to find an imaging location near you.

Lung cancer screening FAQs

Early detection is key in improving outcomes for lung cancer. Screening helps find lung cancer at an earlier stage, often before symptoms appear, when it is more treatable. Here are answers to common questions about lung cancer screening.

What are the new guidelines for lung cancer screening?

The most recent guidelines for lung cancer screening, issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in 2021, recommend annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for individuals who meet specific criteria. These criteria include adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. It's important to note that a "pack-year" is calculated by multiplying the number of cigarette packs smoked per day by the number of years smoked. Screening should be discontinued once a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or the ability to have curative lung surgery.

What is the gold standard for lung cancer screening?

The gold standard for lung cancer screening is low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Numerous studies, most notably the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), have demonstrated that annual LDCT scans significantly reduce lung cancer deaths among high-risk individuals compared to chest X-rays. LDCT provides detailed images of the lungs and can detect small nodules that might not be visible on a standard X-ray.

What is the protocol for lung cancer screening?

The standard protocol for lung cancer screening involves an annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan. For eligible individuals, this means undergoing a CT scan of the chest once a year. Before the scan, patients typically have a discussion with their doctor to ensure they understand the benefits and risks of screening. The scan itself is quick and non-invasive, using a lower dose of radiation than a diagnostic CT scan. The results are then reviewed by a radiologist, and follow-up recommendations are made based on the findings, which could range from continuing annual screening to further diagnostic tests if a suspicious nodule is found.

What is the best screening for lung cancer?

For individuals at high risk for lung cancer, the best screening method is annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). This is the only screening test proven to reduce lung cancer mortality. However, it's crucial to understand that "best" is also subjective and depends on individual circumstances. The decision to undergo screening should always be made in consultation with your doctor. They will evaluate your personal risk factors, smoking history, overall health, and potential benefits and risks of screening to determine if LDCT is appropriate for you. They can also discuss what the screening process entails and what potential follow-up might be necessary based on the results.