Lung Cancer Screening

Lung Cancer Screening - Why?

Lung cancer (bronchial carcinoma) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Germany. Clinical symptoms usually appear at a stage so late that successful treatment is no longer possible.

In the Early Lung Cancer Action Project (ELCAP) it was shown that CT lung screening is highly superior to conventional x-ray; lung cancer can be detected at a very early stage. Only 14% of all the nodules that had been detected on CT screening were visible on conventional chest x-rays. Thus, CT lung screening results in the detection of more tumors at an earlier stage. 5-year-survival for patients with tumors detected by low-dose CT is 70-80% which is much better than the usual 12% 5-year survival rate patients with lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Screening - How it Works

In a single breathold during 15-20 secs, ultrafast multislice spiral computer tomography acquires 300-400 slices of 2mm thickness that continuously cover the lung tissue. No special preparation is needed: the exam does not require invasive procedures such as contrast agent application. The dose for this type of scan is minimal: it amounts to only 10% of the dose needed for a standard chest CT scan.

Lung Cancer Screening - Clinical Value

Treatment results of cancer of the breast, the colon, the prostate, and the uterus have been much improved in the recent past due to better screening programs, since tumors can be detected at anearlier stage and thus be treated more successfully. For lung cancer, a really suitable screening method did not exist. Even today, lung cancer usually is detected at a stage that late so that successful treatment (i.e. cure) is not possible anymore.

Recent surveys suggest that the 5-year survival rate of lung cancer can be increased from 12% (current situation) up to 70-80%, when by means of CT lung screening the disease is detected at an early stage.

There is another positive side effect that has been noted in these surveys: After CT lung screening, 27% of the smokers have reduced their smoking, and 23% quit that habit entirely!

Typical Finding

	Typical example of a small peripheral lung cancer nodule in a patient without symptoms. At such an early stage, the tumor can be successfully resected.

Please refer to your personal physician for further follow-up.

Additional Informations

This screening exam is not covered by normal healthcare insurances. Charges are due at the time of service.

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