lung scan Archives - Viascan of Las Colinas – Non-Invasive Preventative Body Scan and Screening Services

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12/Jun/2024

A CT (computed tomography) scan of the chest produces fine-grained pictures of the heart, blood arteries, ribs, airways, and lymph nodes using specialized X-ray equipment. Your doctor can identify the underlying causes of chest symptoms, including cough and chest discomfort, with the use of chest CT scans. CT scans of the chest can be used to identify lung illnesses, including early-stage lung cancer. A lung malignancy A CT scan may detect malignant growths with high accuracy.

However, because CT scans are so thorough, there is little chance that you will receive a false positive. As with mammograms, 12–14% of early lung cancer CT scans result in false positives. After the first scan, the false positive rate for CT scans decreases to 6%. Getting a CT scan for lung cancer is still the most effective strategy to avoid dying from the disease.

What is a lung cancer screening

When a person has a high chance of developing lung cancer but is otherwise healthy. Lung cancer screening is a procedure performed to find out whether lung cancer has already developed. For older persons who have smoked for a long period but do not exhibit any symptoms or indicators of lung cancer, screening for lung cancer is advised.

To check for lung cancer, medical professionals use a low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) scan of the lungs. Treatment for lung cancer is more likely to be successful if it is found in its early stages. Talk to your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of using lung scan for lung cancer screening. You can determine whether screening is suitable for you by cooperating.

Will a heart CT scan show lung cancer?

The amount and density of the mineral present in the blood capillaries supplying the heart’s arteries are rapidly and automatically measured by cardiac CT scans. One well-known indicator of the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke is coronary artery calcium. When the calcium score is zero, the risk of various illnesses is modest; when the score is greater than 400, the risk increases by about five times. Unfortunately, the precise prevalence of lung cancer at cardiac CT for lung cancer has not yet been thoroughly assessed.

This could be due to the small number of lung cancer cases that have been proven, as well as the fact that peripheral lung cancers. That are missed fall outside the cardiac field of view, making it impossible for studies that solely examined cardiac scans to measure what they were unable to see.

Can cancer be detected in a CT scan?

This might be the case because both scans are of the chest. Your doctor has to be aware of the precise organ or organs being examined, though. Your doctor might not even consider looking for lung cancer warning signals and might not order as thorough of a scan if they believed they were examining the arteries in your heart. Make sure you inform the Preventative Diagnostic Centre staff whether you would like to have a simultaneous scan of your heart and lungs. One way to cut expenses and radiation exposure is to combine a lung CT scan with a cardiac CT scan.

This is especially helpful for COPD patients who are more likely to have cardiac problems. But the reasoning applies to everyone who is worried about their heart and lungs. To put yourself at ease, a low-dose CT scan for lung cancer is a simple, non-invasive solution. If something is discovered, the test can be the one that saves your life.

Can a CT scan diagnose lung cancer?

A CT scan creates fine-grained cross-sectional pictures of your body using X-rays. Unlike a traditional X-ray, which only takes one or two images, a CT scanner collects numerous images. Which are then combined by a computer to display a portion of the body being examined. Lung tumors are more likely to be discovered by a CT scan than by standard chest X-rays.

It can also assist in identifying enlarged lymph nodes that may contain cancer that has spread, as well as the size, shape, and location of any lung tumors. This test can also be performed to search for tumors in other body sections. That may have spread from lung cancer.

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Conclusion 

Even while there are tests and gadgets that allow you to perform an at-home lung cancer test. They cannot diagnose or rule out lung cancer on their own. Discuss the findings with a physician or health care facility like Via Scan of Las Colinas, who can use them in conjunction with further diagnostic procedures like lung scans and a biopsy to aid in the diagnosis. The findings of these tests may only be interpreted and recommended courses of action by a physician.


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03/May/2024

The lungs are vital organs located in the chest. They are essential to the respiratory system’s ability to breathe in oxygen-containing air (inhalation) and exhale carbon dioxide (exhalation). It is crucial to keep an eye on the health of your lungs since any flaw in this process might have a negative influence on your ability to operate daily. Spirometry is one of the most fundamental medical procedures used to examine lung health; these tests include known as lung scan function tests or pulmonary function tests (PFTs). It necessitates going to the doctor or other medical facility. When lung disorders like asthma necessitate more regular lung health checks, this presents a hurdle. Because of this, one needs to keep an eye on obvious systems that enable home lung health testing.

How to Test Yourself for Lung Cancer?

While there are a number of at-home screening tests available for some diseases, such as colon cancer, lung cancer is not among them. Even if comparable tests are being developed, only a physician can perform tests to diagnose lung cancer at the present time. Early detection of lung cancer might enhance your prognosis. Home testing may be able to detect signals produced by cancer cells even in the absence of symptoms.

To find out whether more testing is required, it’s crucial to follow up with a physician or other healthcare provider because you might misunderstand the results. To diagnose lung cancer, a medical professional may use imaging tests or a biopsy. Since at-home tests still carry some danger, many medical professionals advise against using them.

What Does a Black Spot on your Lung Mean?

A pulmonary nodule is typically described as a spot on the lungs. This is a tiny, spherical tumor on the lung scan that appear on imaging scans as a white spot. These nodules usually have a diameter of fewer than three centimeters (cm). Don’t worry if your doctor discovers a pulmonary nodule on a CT or X-ray of your chest. Most pulmonary nodules are benign or noncancerous, and they are rather frequent. Up to half of all lung CT scans reveal nodules. A malignant lung nodule would often measure more than 3 cm in diameter or exhibit other features, such as an uneven form.

 What is a VQ Scan?

The Ventilation (V) Perfusion (Q) scan, commonly known as a VQ scan, consists of two scans that measure blood and airflow in your lungs. The first scan evaluates the efficiency of your lungs’ airflow. Your lungs’ blood flow path is examined in the second scan. The ventilation scan’s airflow and the perfusion scan’s blood flow should coincide if the lungs are functioning normally.

A discrepancy between the perfusion and ventilation scans (V being superior to Q) may point to a PE or obstruction. You will be given a “tracer,” which is a low-risk radioactive material, for both scans. This material releases radiation that highlights any regions with irregular blood or airflow.

 How Long Does a VQ Scan take?

VQ scans consist of two distinct scans. In the initial scan:

  • You have to be cautious not to move about as you lie on a table.
  • It will be necessary for you to cover your mouth and nose with a breathing mask.
  • You will be required to breathe in a small quantity of low-risk radioactive gas through a tube for around five minutes. You won’t feel any difference after using the petrol.
  • Under a scanner, the table will move; therefore, you must remain still.
  • Your chest and the movement of air in your lungs will be captured by the scanner on camera.

    In the subsequent scan:

  • You have to be cautious not to move about as you lie on a table.
  • A low-risk radioactive dye will be injected into your arm by your doctor.
  • The dye will enter your lungs and pass through your blood.
  • Under a scanner, the table will move; therefore, you must remain still.
  • The imaging device will capture pictures of normal lungs’ blood flow.
  • Each scan takes around 15 minutes, and the whole VQ scan takes between 45 and 60 minutes.

 Can a VQ Scan Detect Lung Cancer?

VQ scans have a limited role in early lung cancer detection. A pulmonary blood clot can be diagnosed with a VQ scan. If untreated, blood clots can be lethal. Your doctor may suggest a VQ scan if you are experiencing signs of a blood clot, such as severe discomfort while breathing in and shortness of breath. A pulmonary embolism, or PE, is another name for a blood clot. Your doctor may also recommend a VQ scan to assess lung function prior to or following surgery. In order to determine your lung function, providers may also utilize a VQ scan: 

  • Following a lung transplant.
  • Prior to having a lung removed entirely or in part surgically.
  • In the course of diagnosing or treating lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

 What Does a Normal CT Scan of the Lungs look like?

A normal-sized lung CT scan for Cancer shows no inflammation, enabling the diaphragm to dilate. Emphysema patients’ lungs may seem over inflated due to muscular atrophy, which distorts the diaphragm. Cystic alterations result from the demise of air sacs. 

  • Physicians may view intricate images of a patient’s lungs using computerized tomography (CT) scans.
  • They resemble X-rays in that they display a bigger picture of the injured area of the body. 
  • Compared to X-rays, lung CT scans may capture a variety of tiny images.

 These may help medical professionals determine whether a patient has emphysema or whether their lungs are in good shape.

Choose Our Preventive Lung Scan

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    • Quick Result
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Conclusion

Even while there are tests and gadgets that allow you to perform an at-home lung cancer test, they cannot diagnose or rule out lung cancer on their own. Discuss the findings with a physician or health care facility like Via Scan of Las Colinas, who can use them in conjunction with further diagnostic procedures like lung scans and a biopsy to aid in the diagnosis. The findings of these tests may only be interpreted and recommended courses of action by a physician.


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07/Nov/2023

One of the most common and lethal types of cancer, lung cancer, causes a significant number of cancer-related fatalities each year. Notwithstanding advancements in medical care, lung cancer is frequently detected at a stage where the illness has already spread and progressed. The absence of noticeable symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer is the cause of this delayed discovery. Most individuals are unaware that mild early symptoms, such as persistent cough or exhaustion, might be indicators of cancer.

What is Lung Cancer?

 The uncontrolled growth of cells in lung tissue indicates lung cancer. Usually, it begins as a tiny lung tumor that gradually enlarges over time to generate additional tumors that spread to other body areas. Lung cancer comes in two primary varieties: small cell and non-small cell. Although nonsmokers can also get lung cancer, smoking is the leading cause. Coughing, wheezing, chest discomfort, exhaustion, and weight loss are some symptoms. Although lung cancer is deadly in its advanced stages, it is frequently treatable if detected early through screening. The most remarkable results are obtained when the immunotherapy procedure, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are paired with early discovery.

Do Lung Cancer Symptoms Come and Go?

Lung cancer symptoms might be difficult to identify; they frequently manifest slowly or come on and off.  Generally, people are concerned about the symptoms of such severe diseases, and the question of how I knew I had lung cancer is asked frequently. 

If you encounter any of these symptoms, which might include the following, you must exercise caution and consult with a medical expert.

  1. Chronic cough: A persistent cough lasting several weeks or months.
  2. Breathing difficulty that does not get better is known as shortness of breath.
  3. Chest Pain: Back, shoulder, or chest discomfort.
  4. Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden weight loss without a discernible reason.
  5. Hemoptysis: coughing blood is a problematic symptom that must be treated immediately.
  6. Repeated Respiratory Infections: Frequent lung infections may be a sign.

Regular check-ups and lung cancer screenings are essential since early discovery can significantly improve prognosis.

What Does Lung Cancer Pain Feel Like?

Not everyone with lung cancer feels pain, and the intensity of discomfort varies from person to person. Usually, in the early stages, a patient may not feel intense pain but may feel tired.  When it does happen, it might show up as:

  • A dull ache is a low-level, chronic pain in the back, shoulders, or chest.
  • Sharp or Stabbing Pain: Abrupt, severe pain in the region of the ribs or chest.
  • Pain to the arms, neck, or jaw is radiating pain.
  • Pleural Pain: Pain resulting from inflammation of the lung lining or pleura.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that not every back or chest discomfort is indicative of lung cancer. Consult a healthcare expert for a thorough review if you have any concerns.

Does Lung Cancer Cause Chest Pain?

A significant issue for those concerned about lung cancer is chest discomfort. Chest discomfort can be caused by lung cancer, but it’s not necessarily the only cause. There are several possible causes of chest discomfort, such as:

Tumors: Chest discomfort may result from a tumor pressing on the chest wall.

Chest Infections: Lung ailments, such as pneumonia, a respiratory infection, can produce pain in the chest.

Swelling: Pleurisy, or inflammation of the pleura, can cause pain.

If you have chest discomfort, you must have regular checkups and examinations right away because several different medical disorders can cause it.

How I Found Out I Had Lung Cancer?

A lung cancer diagnosis can be an emotional roller coaster ride for many of us. The human body is designed in a way that it can communicate, but to know what is wrong, one must pay attention to even tiny indicators such as pain. Here, a question arises: “Can I detect serious medical conditions such as lung cancer?” The answer is yes. Even if one pays little attention to these signs, one might still know what is happening with their body. Taking proper care, being vigilant, and having regular checkups are the keys to a healthy life. Screening processes make things a lot easier in terms of the identification of anomalies. With precise and high-quality imaging, medical professionals can detect abnormalities at a very early stage. 

Lung Cancer Screening Centers.

Centers for lung cancer screenings, such as ViaScan, facilitate early detection, which is essential for better results. When lung cancer is still in its early stages and most curable, these specialist institutions use cutting-edge imaging technologies to identify it.

CT lung cancer screening scans are one kind of screening. This creates cross-sectional lung pictures with little radiation exposure using CT algorithms. Advance algorithms allow the radiologist to identify any anomalies in the organ. Radiologists review the scans to find cancers before they cause significant symptoms. 

Nuclear medicine lung scans are another method of diagnosis. This uses radioactive tracers that are administered intravenously to monitor blood flow in the lungs. Unusual tracer buildup identifies problem locations. Nuclear lung scans offer functional information to supplement CT’s anatomical imaging.

How is a Lung Scan Performed?

A lung scan is a screening process that involves taking images of the respiratory system and lungs using specialized equipment such as a CT scan machine. The key steps are as follows:

  1. To ensure that no metal items or clothing interferes with the procedure, the patient will be requested to change into a hospital gown.
  2. The technician will inquire about any allergies, medical problems, or medicines while explaining the process.
  3. On a table that slips inside the scanning device, the patient rests flat on their back. There could be a cushion available for comfort.
  4. The table is moved into the scanner, which does cross-sectional imaging while rotating in a spiral pattern around the chest. The patient needs to lie still.
  5. It takes 10 to 30 minutes to scan. To obtain clean scan pictures free of motion blur, patient participation is essential.
  6. Urine rapidly removes the radioactive tracer from the body following the scan. There is no need for recovery time or anesthesia.
  7. A radiologist then examines the lung pictures to look for anomalies such as inflammation, clots, infections, and lung cancer.

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Final Thoughts

When discovered early, before it spreads outside of the lungs, lung cancer has a better prognosis and a higher possibility of effective treatment. Potential lung cancer signs, such as a chronic cough, chest discomfort, or unexplained weight loss, should be watched out for, and we should consult a doctor right away if any appear. As CT or nuclear lung scans can detect malignancies in their early stages, regular screening is advised for high-risk populations, such as smokers, even in the absence of symptoms. Increased screening knowledge and use can help detect lung cancer early while there is still hope for a cure. Lung cancer outcomes can be significantly impacted by being proactive and seeking rapid medical attention at the earliest indications.

FAQs

What signs and symptoms of lung cancer are most typical?

A chronic cough, blood in the cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, hoarseness, and unexplained weight loss are the most typical signs of lung cancer.

What is the cause of non-smoker lung cancer?

A genetic predisposition, asbestos exposure, radon gas exposure, or air pollution can all lead to lung cancer in nonsmokers.

Is it possible to treat lung cancer if detected early?

 It’s true that when lung cancer is discovered in stages 1 or 2 before it spreads, the survival percentage is significantly greater. The best outcomes come from early treatment with alternatives, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted medication treatments.



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