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lung-cancer-screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in America. When caught early, lung cancer is more curable. However, because lung cancer is often asymptomatic, the disease may be advanced before it’s diagnosed. That’s why those at a higher risk of lung cancer may benefit from lung cancer screening.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual lung cancer screening for people between the 50 and 80 years old with a history of smoking.

The standard for lung cancer screening is low-dose computed tomography (also called an LDCT, or low-dose CT scan).

When a patient is a candidate for lung cancer screening, the experts at Pulmonary Consultants of San Antonio provide expert diagnostics and if cancer is detected, help guide patients toward the proper treatment.

Click here to request an appointment or call us at 210-692-0361.

Questions & Answers

Who needs lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screening is a test to check your lung health and look for cancerous cells. This test is a good way to be proactive about your lung health, particularly if you’re at risk for lung cancer.

The Pulmonary Consultants of San Antonio team recommends lung cancer screening based on your specific risk factors and individual situation. They offer a wide range of different tests, including pulmonary function tests, lab tests, chest X-rays, and others, so you may need one or more of those tests in addition to lung cancer screening.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screening for people 50-80 years old if they currently smoke 20 packs of cigarettes or more per year. And, if you smoked previously and quit within the last 15 years, you need lung cancer screening annually.

Once you turn 81 or haven’t smoked for 15 years, you can discontinue lung cancer screening. Or, if you have a serious health problem like late-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and have lung surgery as a cure, you may discontinue lung cancer screening at that time.

How does lung cancer screening work?

Lung cancer screening is an imaging test using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan technology. For this test, you’ll lie on an exam table as an X-ray machine uses a small amount of radiation to produce pictures of your lungs.

Your exam technician will ask you to hold your breath and remain very still a few times, which helps to produce the clearest images. A LDCT scan is completely painless and takes only a couple of minutes. After your lung cancer screening, you can go back to your normal daily routine right away.

What are the benefits of lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screenings can identify lung cancer in the early stages before it causes symptoms. Early diagnosis gives you the very best chance of a cure. In fact, lung cancer screening can reduce mortality in high-risk populations by up to 33%.

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210-692-0361
10007 Huebner Road, Bldg 4
San Antonio, TX 78240
FAX: 210-692-0151

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Monday: 8am-4:30pm
Tuesday: 8am-4:30pm
Wednesday: 8am-4:30pm
Thursday: 8am-4:30pm
Friday: 8am-4:30pm
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