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 detection 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: Smokers (cigarettes, cigars, or pipes) Exposure to secondhand smoke Exposure to cancer-causing agents such as asbestos and radon History of tuberculosis or pneumonia Family history of lung cancer Information Provided By: http://www.scandirectory.com/content/lung_scan.asp |
