A little cough here, a sharp pain in the chest there, and suddenly, you find yourself with a doctor’s order for a CT scan of the lungs. As the procedure itself can be intimidating and new for many people, it is normal to be worried, anxious, or curious about its purpose and what health conditions it can reveal, with the main question sprouting out being, “Why would a doctor order a CT scan of the lungs?”
But don’t worry; a CT scan is essentially just one of the many ways doctors can rule out possible health conditions and ensure that your health is not left to chance.
In other words, it is one of the many ways of medicine and science to ensure that physicians arrive at the most accurate diagnosis for you.
What is a CT Scan?
Think of a CT scan as a notch higher than X-rays; it provides detailed imaging of what is inside your body by obtaining a view from different angles. It does so by rotating around your body to produce cross-sectional images that display your bones, blood vessels, and tissues in greater detail.
As the technology itself is no longer new, CT scans are among the most reliable routine medical procedures that are non-invasive and do not take too long.
What is an Abnormal Finding on a CT Scan of the Lung?
A CT scan is often used to detect abnormalities in the lungs that may not be visible on a regular X-ray. These abnormalities are deviations from what is considered normal lung function or structure and may require further medical attention. Some of the most common abnormal findings on a CT scan of the lungs include:
1. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, filling them with fluid or pus and causing a cough with phlegm. It can also cause fever, chills, and breathing difficulties. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause pneumonia. While the condition is most serious for infants, children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems, all age groups are still at risk of the disease.
Pneumonia may be indicated by chest pains when coughing or breathing, phlegm, fatigue, fever (with sweating or shaking chills), lowered body temperatures, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is caused by an overgrowth of harmful cells in the lungs, usually in the bronchi, bronchioles, or air sacs.
In a CT scan of the lungs, most lung tumors or abnormal masses show up as high-contrast masses. Do remember, though, that only through a biopsy can a cancer diagnosis be confirmed and that a CT scan of the lungs is just an essential step toward the diagnosis.
3. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacteria that can spread through the air when people cough, sneeze, or spit. People with TB can experience various symptoms, including fever, tiredness, persistent coughing, coughing with blood or mucus, chest pain, pain with breathing or coughing, chills, night sweats, and weight loss.
4. Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis can affect many body organs, like the liver and skin, and can sometimes occur in the lungs. It is an inflammatory disease that forms patches of tissue or granulomas, which can be dangerous if it affects the function of vital organs. When it causes inflammation or scarring in the lungs, it can often make breathing difficult and, at times, lead to respiratory failure. With early detection and appropriate treatment, symptoms of sarcoidosis can be managed.
5. Pleural Effusion
Simply put, pleural effusion is a condition in which excess fluid builds up and stays in the pleural space—the space between the lungs and the chest wall. The pressure of this fluid buildup can lead to difficulty breathing and can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood. Usually, pleural effusions can be confirmed through a CT scan of the lungs, from which treatment can proceed.
6. Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot, usually originating from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a blood clot that first forms in the legs, travels towards the lungs, and causes difficulty in breathing. Patients suffering from pulmonary embolism can experience shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, dizziness, and rapid heart rates.
7. Emphysema
Emphysema damages the alveoli of the lungs and is usually a chronic illness that is irreversible and progressive. One of the main causes of emphysema is smoking (or exposure to secondhand smoke), while air pollution and genetic factors also contribute to the illness.
Intervention can include opening the airways to make breathing easier, usually done through bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
8. Lung Scarring
Lung tissues can be thickened and scarred. This condition is called lung scarring or pulmonary fibrosis, and it makes it difficult for the lungs to expand and contract properly for normal breathing.
9. Pulmonary Nodules
Pulmonary nodules are masses of tissue that develop in the lungs. While these formations can be benign or non-cancerous, some are malignant growths that can develop into cancer.
These nodules can form in the aftermath of infections like pneumonia or tuberculosis, which is why, after recovering from such illnesses, it is important to check the condition of the lungs thoroughly.
They can also develop due to infections, inflammations, or benign growths such as granulomas or cysts.
You may notice that the signs and symptoms of these conditions are usually identical or overlapping. It is important not to panic and feel hopeless at this stage, as only the result of your CT scan of the lungs—and the accompanying physician’s interpretation—will have the final say on your lungs’ health status.
5 Possible Reasons Why a Doctor Would Order a CT Scan of the Lungs
It’s quite understandable how one would be skeptical as to why a doctor would order a CT scan of the lungs. But, doctors work hand in hand with their medical expertise, training, and instinct. They also make good reference to your medical records and your current complaints relating to the condition of your breathing, chest pains, and other symptoms.
Given a combination of these factors, a doctor may be prompted to order a CT scan of the lungs for the following possibilities:
- To detect lung cancer, lung tumors, or other unusual growth in the lungs
- To investigate further a lung nodule as a step towards confirming if it is benign or malignant
- To get a more detailed imaging of an existing lung condition -like pneumonia, COPD, tuberculosis, etcetera, and arrive at a better treatment plan
- To investigate chest trauma, e.g., fractures, bleeding, and other damages
- To check the underlying causes of unexplained symptoms
How Do You Know if a Nodule in Your Lung Is Cancerous?
While the possibility of cancer can be a serious concern, a cancer diagnosis requires several steps, including the close investigation of a healthcare professional.
There are effective ways to determine whether an existing lung nodule is cancerous. Usually, among these steps is an x-ray, followed by a CT scan of the lungs to acquire imaging in greater detail where the nodules’ size, location, appearance, and development can be observed and monitored.
Even as a CT scan of the lungs allows healthcare professionals to observe lung nodules, the final determinant of a cancer diagnosis is a biopsy, a medical procedure that takes a sample of the nodule for further examination. Unlike the noninvasive and swift nature of a CT scan of the lungs, a lung biopsy is an invasive procedure. Doctors, specifically radiologists, can perform a needle, transbronchial, thoracoscopic, or open biopsy.
Breathe Deep and Live Long with Craft Concierge
Your lungs keep you going, supplying the air you breathe to conquer each day. When discussing lung health, the role of prevention can never be underestimated and has the potential to save lives early on—and so, being in the know about why would a doctor order a CT scan of the lungs is already one step to having that optimum prevention.
Regular screening and consultations are the key to ensuring the condition of your lungs through a healthy lifestyle. They provide layers of protection that keep your lungs safe for a long time, affording you more time to enjoy life and your loved ones.
Aside from quitting or avoiding smoking (and exposure to secondhand smoke), you can keep your lungs pristine by avoiding air pollution, getting vaccines against influenza and pneumonia, and keeping a healthy, active lifestyle.
If you feel ready to take these steps with a dedicated healthcare team, Craft Concierge stays equipped to guard your lung health through a direct primary care model that personalizes your health treatments and ensures your access to the best medical procedures and treatments—and yes—including a CT scan of the lungs!
And you can breathe easy—we won’t hold you up with hidden fees, surprise charges, or exorbitant prices. We are all about quality personalized care so you can enjoy the things that matter most—your life and health. Start your journey with Craft Concierge today.
