In 1998, there were 160,000 deaths due to lung cancer in the United States and only a 12% cure rate. By contrast, the survival rate for lung cancer detected early (stage 1A) is 85-100%. Early detection at that time was done by routine chest x-rays, which unfortunately missed the majority of early cancers.

1. Why would I want to have a lung cancer screening CT?
This test is able to detect tiny spots on your lungs (usually referred to as nodules) which may represent early lung cancer. The best hope for cure of lung cancer is finding it as early as possible.

2. I've has chest x-rays before, why would I want to have this scan?
A chest x-ray only shows two views of your chest (front and side).

A CT scan shows cross-sectional images all through your chest - from top to the bottom of your lungs.

Studies have shown that tiny abnormalities (that could be early lung cancer) can be found using CT that would never have been seen on a chest x-ray.

3. Will this test (CT) show other problems in my lungs besides cancer?
Yes. Old or new pneumonia, tuberculosis, scars, or emphysema may be detected.

4. Will my heart be evaluated on the low-dose chest CT?
A limited evaluation will be done. The radiologists are able to see heart size and can sometimes detect calcifications in the arteries when present. This may suggest the need for further evaluation.

5. Will I benefit from a low does lung cancer screening CT?
We have found that detecting early lung cancer using CT will improve the patient's chance of cure. We performed a study on 1,000 current and former smokers, over 60, with no history of cancer (Lancet, 354:99-105, July 1999) and found a significant number of early-stage lung cancers which were so small that they could not have been seen on a conventional chest x-ray. The cure rate of early-stage lung cancer is much higher that that of a late-stage lung cancer.

6. I'm interested. How do I make an appointment?
You can call our lung cancer screening program at (702) 732 - 6000. When you call, please be prepared to give the following :

A. Your name, address, phone number, birthdate, and parents first names for registration purposes.

7. When can I schedule an appointment?
Once we have all of this information from you, we are able to schedule you for a specific time and date. Currently, we are scheduling people Monday through Friday from 5-7 PM. Other times may be available in the future.

8. How long will my appointment be?
The actual time spent in the CT scanning room takes only about 5 minutes (with set-up) and scanning time). The time during which you are actually scanned takes less than 30 seconds. The registration and interview with the coordinator, which is performed prior to the scan take approximately 25 - 30 minutes. It is recommended that you set aside one hour for your appointment, although usually they are completed more quickly.

9. Will I have to pay for the screening CT?
Yes. At the present time, the scan costs $250.00 which includes professional fees for the interpretation. This fee is collected on your visit date and can be paid with a credit card (VISA, MC, AMEX) or with 2 separate personal checks.

10. Will Medicare or my insurance carrier reimburse me for this test?
This test is currently not approved for reimbursement by insurance carriers. At your visit, you will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging your responsibility to pay all bills from this procedure. As additional information about the utility of this test becomes available, insurance carriers may reconsider their position.

11. What are the steps taken if there is a finding on my screening CT?
Based on results of your test, we may recommend a follow-up diagnostic CT scan to take a closer look at suspicious findings. A diagnostic scan differs from the screening scan in that it uses the standard amount of radiation and creates higher-resolution images. From that exam, we will have a better idea as to how we should proceed. Further diagnostic testing should be covered by your insurance.

12. If my test is normal (no findings) how often should I have a screening CT?
At the present time, we recommend annual screenings. As new information becomes available, the suggested time between screening studies may be modified.