Lung CT Scans

Blue And Red Lung Ct Scan Illustration

Lung Scans

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States.1

Detecting abnormalities in the lungs can improve the life span of you or a loved one.  Over 220,000 people will be newly diagnosed with lung cancer and over 140,000 people will die from lung cancer in the United States in 2019. Our technologically advanced SOMATOM go.All CT Scanner can detect early stages of small tumors so early treatment may begin. Early detection, by low-dose CT screening, can dramatically increase the long-term survival rate.1

1 Source: seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/lungb.html

Why should you get a lung scan

Each year in the United States over 220,000 people are told that they have lung cancer…

Lung Cancer is the leading form of terminal cancer. Nearly 55% of the new lung cancer diagnosis will be in the 55-74 age group while this same age group accounts for 52% of the annual lung cancer deaths in the United States.  Due to its minimal symptoms, lung cancer is often not detected until it reaches stages 3 or 4 when a tumor is the size of an orange. With the low dose scan by the SOMATOM go.All CT scanner, tumors can be detected at the size of a grain of rice.1

Are you a current or past smoker?

In 2013, the US Preventative Services Task Force recommended “annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography in adults ages 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years”.2

Take this short quiz at The American Lung Association to see if a lung CT scan is recommended for you.

A 2011 study by the National Lung Screening Trial Research Team concluded that having a low-dose CT scan to detect lung cancer shows a 20% reduction in mortality from lung cancer as compared to utilizing a traditional single view chest x-ray.  The Research Team’s conclusion is that screening with a low dose CT reduces mortality from lung cancer.3

2 Source: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/RecommendationsStatementFinal/lung-cancer-screening

3 Source: N Engl J Med. 2011 Aug 4;365(5):395-409.doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1102873. Epub 2011 Jun 29

Frequently Asked Questions

The radiation exposure of a Low Dose CT Scan with the SOMATOM go.All is extremely low. Typical, less accurate CT or CAT scans, will expose you to up to 20 times more radiation. With our Low Dose SOMATOM go.All CT Scanner, there are no shots, no dyes to drink, no fasting, and no medication to take. The SOMATOM go.All in is an open structure greatly reducing or removing the claustrophobic fears all together.

The scan is comfortable, noninvasive, and fast.

  • Total exam time: 10–15 minutes
  • Actual scan time: about 10 seconds

No. The scan is painless.  

You will hold your breath briefly while the scan is performed. No needles or injections are required. 

  • A certified CT Technologist will guide you through the scan
  • Sensors will be placed on your chest to assist with imaging
  • The SOMATOM go.All CT system is shaped like a donut, with you positioned comfortably in the center
  • The table moves slowly while images are captured
  • You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds
  • You’ll hear a low whirring sound during the scan
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
  • Women are encouraged to wear a sports bra or a bra without underwire
  • Remove all metal items, including jewelry, belts, and items in your pockets
  • Avoid caffeine for 4 hours prior to your appointment
  • No fasting or medications are required

CT scan requirements vary by state. In Nevada, no doctor's prescription is required to receive a CT scan. 

Adults over 40 with certain risk factors may benefit from this scan as part of preventative care for lung and heart health.

You may be an optimal candidate if you:

  • Are 40–72 years old
  • Use or previously used tobacco
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have high cholesterol or triglycerides
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Have diabetes
  • Have a family history of heart attack or lung disease
  • Live a sedentary lifestyle
  • Experience high stress

A Lung CT scan uses advanced imaging to identify abnormalities and growths in the chest, including small lung tumors.

This painless, non-invasive scan allows for early detection, which may improve treatment options.

Lung CT scans can detect:

  • Small lung tumors
  • Abnormal growths in lung tissue
  • Other chest abnormalities

Results are typically available within 7–10 business days and are mailed directly to your home. 

Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete a few brief forms before your scan. 

Yes. CT scan and CAT scan refer to the same imaging procedure, also called computed tomography. 

What factors put someone at risk for heart or lung disease? Just as everyone in their 40’s and 50’s should begin undergoing regular colon exams and mammograms, people over the age of 40 with specific cardiac risk factors should consider having a Low Dose CT Heart and Lung Scan performed on a regular schedule. If you are between the ages of 40 and 72, with any of the following, you are considered an optimal candidate for the Low Dose Heart and Lung Scan.

  • Age
  • Tobacco Usage
  • High Blood pressure
  • High Cholesterol or Tryglyceride Levels
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Family History of Heart Attack
  • Lack of Physical Activity
  • High Stress

After your lung CT Scan, you will receive a comprehensive radiology report.  This report is prepared by a Board-certified Radiologist and will take up to 7-10 business days that will be mailed to your home. Should you require further information about your results, Preventative Diagnostic’s  Medical Director will be available for consultation.

Current pricing for our CT scans is available here – CT Scan Costs Please call us for additional information.

Schedule Today

Give us a call to schedule your Non-Invasive Scan

Map & Directions