Saturday, September 28, 2013

Effective use of low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening

 2013 Sep-Oct;42(5):220-30. 

Effective use of low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening.

Source

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, ARUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Electronic address: cjeffers@uams.edu.

Abstract

Lung cancer screening programs for high-risk populations using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) have been shown by a class I clinical trial to reduce lung cancer mortality by 20%. We present an overview of randomized and nonrandomized lung cancer screening trials and review some of the arguments advocating for or against the widespread implementation of such a screening program. Concerns regarding the use of LDCT screening forlung cancer include increased risk from radiation exposure, overdiagnosis of indolent tumors, and high numbers of false-positive results, which may increase patient anxiety and result in unnecessary procedures with potential complications. Current recommendations regarding diagnostic criteria and workup of positive screens as well as the risks and benefits of using LDCT for lung cancer screening are provided.

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