What is a lung scan?

Lung cancer kills more Americans than any other type of cancer. The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is only 14%. However, it’s estimated the survival rate may be increased to 80% through early finding and treatment. The lung scan is a tool used for the early detection of lung cancer.

Lung cancer tumors are typically the size of an orange by the time they are discovered through a conventional x-ray. However, the lung scan may detect tumors as small as a grain of rice.

By detecting cancerous tumors at an early stage, an individual’s survival rate may be significantly improved.
The lung scan may be a useful tool for the early detection of lung tumors and other abnormalities in people with any of the following risk factors:

Family history of lung cancer
Exposure to cancer-causing agents such as asbestos and radon
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Smokers (cigarettes, cigars, or pipes)
History of tuberculosis or pneumonia.