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HU Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scan
Low-Dose Chest CT (LDCT) – Lung Cancer Screening
Tomografia computerizată toracică cu doză redusă (LDCT) este o investigație imagistică specială utilizată pentru evaluarea detaliată a stării plămânilor. Scopul principal este depistarea precoce a cancerului pulmonar, chiar și în absența simptomelor, în special la persoanele cu risc crescut.
Low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) is a specialized imaging examination used for detailed evaluation of the lungs. Its primary purpose is the early detection of lung cancer, even before symptoms appear, particularly in individuals at increased risk.
Purpose of the examination
LDCT enables the identification of potential abnormalities in the lungs – such as nodules or other lesions – at an early stage. Early diagnosis allows timely initiation of further diagnostic procedures and necessary treatments.
Advantages of low-dose CT examination
The low radiation dose associated with LDCT allows the examination to be performed more frequently as part of a comprehensive lung cancer screening program. These routine examinations can alert the physician to any new or changing tissue formations and help determine whether additional diagnostic evaluation is necessary.
Screening can detect potential tumors before the patient experiences any symptoms, which typically develop only when the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Early detection enables earlier treatment and increases the likelihood of long-term survival.
Who should take the examination?
The examination is primarily recommended in the following cases:
• age between 50–80 years
• current smoking or smoking within the past 15 years
• significant smoking history (at least 20 pack-years)
LDCT screening may also be indicated in the presence of additional risk factors, such as:
• occupational exposure to carcinogens (e.g., asbestos, radon)
• family history of lung cancer in a first-degree relative
• chronic lung disease (e.g., COPD)
• long-term exposure to secondhand smoke
The indication for the examination is determined in all cases by the treating physician.
Procedure of the examination
- The examination is painless and non-invasive.
- Intravenous contrast administration is not required.
- The patient lies on their back on the examination table.
- A short breath-hold is required during image acquisition.
- The CT scanner produces high-resolution images of the chest.
- The examination usually takes 5–10 minutes.
Preparation
No special preparation is required. Please consider the following:
• wear comfortable clothing without metal elements
• remove jewelry and other metal objects
• inform the staff if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy
Risks and radiation exposure
LDCT is a low-radiation-dose examination optimized for screening purposes. The radiation exposure during the examination is significantly lower than that of a conventional CT scan.
The indication for the examination is always based on careful consideration of the benefits and potential risks.
Results and report
After the examination, the images are evaluated by a specialist radiologist. The written report is forwarded to the referring physician, who will inform you about the results and any necessary further steps.
Further information
If you have any questions regarding the examination, please contact the radiology department staff or your treating physician.
