If you’re someone who smokes or who is frequently exposed to cigarette smoke, getting lung cancer screenings can help save your life. There are diagnostic tests that can be performed to detect lung cancer so that treatments can start right away. One of these tests, low dose CT screenings, is sometimes recommended on a yearly basis for some patients.
What Is Low-Dose CT?
Computer topography is an image scan that helps detect cancers that are too small to be seen via conventional x-rays. Low dose CT in Riverhead, NY is done because it uses a lower radiation dose of up to 90% less ionizing radiation than regular CT scans so it is considered safer. CT scans allow doctors to view tissues, bone, and blood vessels at the same time so tumors can be detected without going through multiple tests.
Recommendation for CTs
For people who are 55 to 80 years of age and who have a history of heavy smoking (at least 30 packs per year), doctors recommend that they have CT scans every year to screen for lung cancer. However, CT scans expose people to radiation, which can cause cancer in some people. Low dose CT can reduce the risks associated with having these tests on a regular basis.
Radiation screenings for lung cancer work because low dose CT scans have been proven successful in reducing the number of deaths of high-risk patients. These scans can successfully detect small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer to save lives. If you have a history of heavy smoking during the past 15 years and are at least 55, you should talk to a doctor about having a CT scan.
The radiologists at North Fork Radiology are trained to use low dose scans to detect cancer and will make you comfortable throughout the entire process. You can also follow them on Twitter.