Lung Screening
at Middletown Medical
WHAT IS LDCT?
We are pleased to now offer Low Dose Cat Scan (LDCT) Lung Screening.
This could be a potential life-saver, as lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women worldwide.
All insurances are accepted for this screening, including Medicare.
Schedule an appointment by phone or chat:
845.342.4774
Of the top four deadliest cancers in the U.S. (lung, prostate, breast and colorectal), lung cancer is the only one NOT subject to routine screening. Based on the findings of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), we have validation that LDCT lung screening can save lives of people at high risk for developing lung cancer. If you qualify for a screening, we encourage you to get screened.
If you qualify, then schedule an appointment by calling (845) 372-6679.
Some key qualifications to consider an LDCT Lung Cancer Screening include the following:
- Between the ages of 55-77 and generally in good health.
- A current smoker, or a former smoker who quit within the past 15 years.
- Have smoked at least a pack of cigarettes a day for at least 30 years.
FAQs
Annual lung screening with low-dose CT Scan (LDCT) has been shown to save lives by finding lung cancer early, when it is easier to treat.
If you have additional questions, please schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.
What is the goal of LDCT lung screening?
The goal of LDCT lung screening is to save lives. Without LDCT lung screening, lung cancer is usually not found until a person develops symptoms. At that time, the cancer is much harder to treat.
Who should get an LDCT lung screening exam?
LDCT lung screening is recommended for people who are at high risk for lung cancer. Those who have symptoms of a lung condition at the time of screening, such as a new cough or shortness of breath, are not eligible.
People aged 55−77 who have smoked at least an average of 1 pack a day for 30 years. This includes people who still smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
Are there any risks to LDCT lung screening?
The main risk is radiation exposure. LDCT lung screening uses radiation to create images of your lung. Radiation can increase a person’s risk of cancer. By using special techniques, the amount of radiation in LDCT lung screening is small — about the same amount a person would receive from a screening mammogram.
Further, your doctor has determined that the benefits of the screening outweigh the risks of being exposed to the small amount of radiation from this exam. Your healthcare provider who ordered the screening may want to talk with you more about this.
What can I expect from the results?
About 1 out of 4 LDCT lung screening exams will find something in the lung that may require additional imaging or evaluation. Most of the time these findings are lung nodules. Lung nodules are very 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 normal lymph nodes or small areas of scarring from past infections. 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.
To distinguish the large number of benign (noncancerous) nodules from the few nodules 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 odd shape or grows over time), we will refer you to a specialist for further testing.
Will my doctor also receive the results?
Yes. Your healthcare provider who ordered your test will receive a copy of your results.
I think I qualify for LDCT lung screening. What should I do next?
You should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss this test to determine if you qualify.
Why does it matter if I have symptoms?
Certain symptoms can be a sign that you have a condition in your lungs that should be evaluated and treated, if necessary, by your healthcare provider. These symptoms include fever, chest pain, a new or changing cough, shortness of breath that you have never felt before, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss. Having any of these symptoms can greatly affect the results of lung screening and may actually delay the treatment you might need.
I am in one of the high-risk groups but have been diagnosed with cancer in the past. Is LDCT lung screening appropriate for me?
It depends. In some cases, LDCT lung screening will not be appropriate, such as when your doctor is already following your cancer with CT scan studies. Your doctor will help determine if LDCT lung screening is right for you.
Do I need to have an LDCT lung screening exam every year?
Yes. If you are in one of the high-risk groups described above, an LDCT lung screening exam is recommended every year until you are 77.
How effective is LDCT lung screening at preventing death from lung cancer?
Studies have shown that LDCT lung screening can lower the risk of death from lung cancer by 20% in people who are at high risk.
How is the exam performed?
LDCT lung screening is one of the easiest screening exams you can have. The exam takes less than 10 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 at least 6 seconds while the chest scan is being taken.
How much does the screening cost?
This test, as well as any additional testing you may need based on the results from the screening, will be billed to your insurance. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of these additional tests. If you do not have insurance, you will need to cover the cost of any additional testing. Our Billing Department can help you understand your payment options.
When will I get the results?
You will receive the results of your exam within 2 weeks. If you do not hear from us within 2 weeks, please be sure to call your healthcare provider.
Where can I find help to quit smoking?
The best way to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking. For help on quitting smoking, please speak to your healthcare provider. If you have already quit smoking, congratulations and keep it up!