Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, with about 85% of cases occurring in current or former smokers. Unfortunately, lung cancer is typically diagnosed after it has spread outside the lung, making it more difficult to treat. But thanks to CT Lung Cancer Screenings, patients who are at risk for lung cancer now have a simple, non-invasive test that can detect cancers before they become symptomatic and advanced.

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About Lung Cancer Screening

Low-dose CT (LDCT) scans have been shown to save lives by finding lung cancer early, when it is easier to treat. The five-year survival rate has increased 33% over the past 10 years due to advancements in treatment, research, and lung cancer screening. Lung cancer screening may also detect other conditions or diseases that need treatment.

Symptoms/Eligibility

Lung cancer screening is not indicated for everyone. Yearly screening is recommended for patients who meet the following criteria:

  • Age 55-77
  • Have no symptoms of lung cancer
  • Are currently smoking, or have quit within the past 15 years
  • Have a 30 "pack year history" of smoking (A "pack year" is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years you have smoked. For instance, a pack a day for 30 years is a 30 "pack year history.")
It is important to work with your primary care provider to determine the benefits and risks of screening to decide what is best for you. LDCT screening for lung cancer does require a referral.

Treatment for Lung Cancer

Our specialists offer advanced treatments for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Through minimally invasive thermal ablation techniques, lung cancer cells can be destroyed without being removed. During the procedure, one or more needles are placed in or around the cancer in the lung, delivering a low dose of energy over an extended period of time, which destroys the cancer cells.

Cryoablation: In this method, the extremely low temperatures are used to destroy cancer cells.

Microwave Radiofrequency Ablation: In this method, heat energy is used to destroy the cancer cells.

» Learn more about how ARA Health provides minimally invasive cancer treatments.