Lung CT Scan

While doctors use a variety of tests to diagnose and stage lung cancer, a lung CT scan is the only recommended test used to screen for the disease. “CT” stands for “computed tomography.” Standard CT, which includes chest CT, uses X-ray images taken inside the body from many angles that a computer combines into a 3D image to look for tumors.

A lung CT scan uses a specialized X-ray machine that scans the chest to create a detailed image of the lungs. It uses lower doses of radiation than a chest CT. A lung CT scan is also called low-dose computed tomography, low-dose CT or LDCT.

Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines

If you’re considering undergoing a lung CT scan, it’s important to understand the lung cancer screening guidelines to see if you qualify. We offer annual lung cancer screening for individuals who:

• Are 55 to 80 years old
• Currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years
• Have smoked an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years
• Have no symptoms of lung cancer, such as a new or worsening cough that may or may not involve blood, chest pain, shortness of breath or wheezing

Screening should stop for individuals who haven’t smoked for 15 years. It should also stop for those who develop a condition that dramatically shortens their life expectancy or limits their ability or willingness to undergo lung cancer surgery.

Do You Meet These Criteria?

If you meet these criteria, talk to your doctor, or contact Trinity Health Pulmonology Services to determine if a lung CT scan is right for you.

What to Expect

Lung CT scans are a painless test and take about 30 minutes to complete, from start to finish. The scan, itself, only takes a few minutes. You don’t need to do anything to prepare for the test.

1. You will lie on your back on the scanning table. A CT technologist will get you situated on the table and guide it into the unit. The technologist will leave the room for the scan but will observe you through a window from a neighboring room.
2. You and the technologist will communicate through a microphone. They will let you know when each sequence will start and how long it will last. For certain parts of the scan, they may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds.
3. Hold still during each sequence. Even the slightest movement can blur the image, so it is important to hold still.
4. A radiologist will review and interpret the results. A radiologist is a doctor who specializes in using imaging procedures to diagnose and treat injuries and conditions. The radiologist will share the results with your doctor, who will then discuss them with you.
   1. If the result is negative: Your healthcare provider may recommend continuing with annual screenings to see if there are any new changes. Their office will send letters to remind you to schedule your screening.
   2. If the result is abnormal: Your doctor may recommend additional testing to find out if it is cancer. You may need to repeat the screening test in three to six months.

 

Reduce Your Lung Cancer Risk

The most effective way to reduce your risk of lung cancer is to never smoke and to avoid secondhand smoke. If you smoke and would like help with quitting, ask your doctor for information about smoking cessation support, or call at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Our Imaging Center

Trinity Health offers low-dose lung CT scans at our Advanced Imaging Center in the Town & Country plaza. Conveniently located near downtown Minot, this imaging center offers digital radiology, positron emission tomography (PET) and computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound services.

Advanced Imaging Center
Town & Country
831 South Broadway
Minot, ND 58701

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Directions to our clinic

Schedule a Lung CT Scan

If you think you meet the criteria for this screening, please contact your primary care provider to see if low-dose CT lung scan is appropriate for you.