As lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States (and in the whole world), many people have recognized the need to be on top of cancer prevention and early detection methods, usually relying on a range of medical procedures and services.
When it comes to cancer, diagnosis and treatment plans rely heavily on early detection for success, as statistics demonstrate that this stage is where tumors are the most treatable. The focus is now on detecting as early as possible—or even predicting—the likelihood and the severity of cancer in one’s body.
But what exact medical procedures can help us arrive at an early diagnosis?
Well, Computed Tomography scans or CT scans have drastically improved the way we detect, diagnose, and treat a range of physical anomalies and diseases, including lung cancer. As a CT scan can provide a detailed view of abnormalities in cell growth, it enables people to take early measures for their health and deter more health complications, medical expenses, and loss of lives along the way. The procedure also provides certainty and precision during the treatment, allowing radiologists to map out the procedures and monitor the patient’s treatment response.
But how exactly does a CT scan achieve this? How accurate is CT scan for lung cancer?
In this article, we will review CT scans as a reliable measure for those wanting to ensure their health and discover different ways to ensure a quality and comfortable procedure for the patient.
What is a CT scan?
Through cross-sectional images of the body’s bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues, computed tomography (CT) provides detailed pictures of the body while remaining quick, non-invasive, and painless.
Essentially, a CT scan is an advancement over X-rays as it uses X-ray technology, but it rotates around the patient’s body to provide a more precise image of internal organs, tissues, and bones. The technology has evolved for many years, elevating its precision further. Currently, most hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities offer a chest CT scan as an accessible medical procedure.
How Accurate is a CT Scan for Lung Cancer?
Unnecessary medical procedures, on top of anxiety over one’s health and worries over the cost of medical care, can further intensify one’s stress during a medical intervention. This is why having a degree of certainty over the procedures we undergo is important. Gaining clarity over what kind of results we may receive and how to use them enables us to be more sure-footed as we move forward in our treatment plans.
So, how accurate is a CT scan for lung cancer?
A CT scan’s ability for more precise imaging of crucial areas in the lungs gives it an incredibly high accuracy for patients. Medical research involving 104 cases of suspected lung cancer by history, clinical, and radiographic evaluation found that CT scans can be up to 93.3% in detecting lung cancer, which emphasizes that it is, in fact, one of the most reliable tools in detecting malignant tumors in the lungs.
Not only can CT scans detect these malignant tumors, but they can also spot benign nodules or other anomalies in the lungs that may not necessarily be cancerous. The multiple cross-sectional imaging processed through the computer shows very thin sections of the lung tissue and layers them together for a more comprehensive view.
More than this, CT scans are also high in resolution, allowing radiologists to see even the smallest details within the lungs. It can also reveal different types of tissues, different densities, and different textures, which all show up as varied shades of gray in the results.
Can a CT Scan Be Wrong About Cancer?
CT scans can detect even the smallest infections, inflammations, scars, or even benign growths in the human body. This can be the reason why, during certain circumstances, a CT scan can yield a false positive result for lung cancer.
However, these cases are rarer and are usually remedied by double-checking with other medical procedures on top of a physician’s medical expertise. If you or your loved one can feel more guaranteed with more means of detection, you can always take it a step higher by consulting your physician and undergoing a biopsy.
Is a CT Scan Better Than an MRI for Lung Cancer?
While an MRI has its own advantages and distinct purposes, a CT scan is generally preferred and is more commonly conducted for lung cancer detection due to its more specialized ability to capture detailed images of the lungs through cross-sectional views. This makes it highly effective in detecting early-stage cancers, crucial for successful and timely medical intervention.
While MRI is also a powerful medical procedure due to its ability to accurately capture soft tissues, vascular structures, and tumors, it may not yield the same precision as the lungs, which are primarily composed of air due to their structure and function for gas exchange.
Breathe Easy and Protect your Health with Craft Concierge
It is normal to feel the urge to double-check and be sure of one’s health, and this may prompt many of us to avail of multiple medical services to arrive at the most precise diagnosis. It’s also quite understandable to be wary of CT Scan’s accuracy for lung cancer—skepticism is always present when it comes to health.
However, a patient can trust the physician’s orders and consult reliable people regarding these procedures. A patient’s welfare is more protected when choosing a CT scan as the right course of action for lung cancer detection, as CT scans are faster, more accessible, and more affordable. Its rapid imaging can ensure the patient’s comfort and wellness while also delivering diagnostic benefits.
When it comes to these uncertain and unanticipated times, a competent and committed healthcare team can make all the difference. Craft Concierge membership is more than capable of accommodating these medical procedures—and the worries and questions that come with them—so you and your loved ones can focus on acquiring the correct diagnosis, receiving proper medical care, and fully recovering. Get care in Tulsa today!
With a team that specializes in personalized healthcare intervention, you can sit back, unload most of your health-related anxieties, and breathe easy. Contact us today!
