Early Detection And Screening Of Lung Cancer

SazdaniÄ?-VelikiÄ? Danica

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and is often diagnosed at a late stage. Due to that fact long term survival rates are poor. Detecting the disease and initiating treatment at an early stage are important for improving survival. Lowdose computed tomography (LDCT) is strategy for lung cancer detection that has demonstrated promise in purpose to identify the presence of lung cancer in an individual that does not demonstrate any symptoms. Based on the results of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), NELSON trial, the US Preventive Services Task Force and NCCN guideline recommend annual lung cancer screening with CT. Annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is recommended in adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. There could be risk for harm associated with LDCT screening include: radiation exposure, false negative and false-positive results, incidental findings, overdiagnosis. Patients with several comorbid conditions may be at greater risk.