Lung-Scan

What is a Lung-Scan?

The Heart-Scan team now offer the CT Lung-Scan.  Electron Beam Computed Tomography scanning of the Lung is used to detect abnormalities in the lung.   Lung cancer is the number 1 cancer killer killing more people than colon, prostrate and breast cancer combined.  Lung cancer is usually detected late in the course of the disease where treatment is less effective.  Using the revolutionary new CT Lung-Scan we can detect lung cancer at its earliest stages thereby increasing the treatment success rates. The special CT scanner images the lung in very thin sections in just one breath hold. Using this revolutionary technology, it is possible to detect growths and lung nodules as small as two to five millimetres, much smaller than can be seen with conventional chest X-ray and too small for symptoms to develop.

By finding lung cancer at a smaller size, when it is more likely to beconfined to the chest, Lung-Scan increases your odds of survival and provides and extremely sensitive method for the early detection of lung cancer.

How do I know if I need the test?

The most common symptoms of lung cancer are cough (75%) and hemoptysis (coughing up blood) (50%).  These symptoms are already present in 90% patients at the time at diagnosis.  In the remainder of patients, lung cancer is discovered only incidentally on an X-ray done for an unrelated condition.  Most patients have metastatic cancer, cancer which has spread outside of the lung, at the time of diagnosis.  If you have any persistent chest problems, are between 50-80 years old, smoke, or have a family history of lung cancer then you may benefit from a Lung-Scan.

How do I prepare for the test?

No preparation is needed for this scan.  No fasting, gowns or needles.

What will happen during the test?

You will be taken into the scanning room and asked to lie down on the scanning bed.  Our radiographer will tell you when the scan is about to commence.  You will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds and then you simply lie on our scanning table while we acquire pictures of your lungs.

What will the test result tell me?

You will be presented with a report which will tell you the presence of lung abnormalities.

What happens next?

Depending on your scan result you may be referred to a specialist physician who will advise you on the course of your treatment.  We recommend a repeat scan every 2-5 years depending on your individual case.