Lung Cancer Screening & Early Detection | Houston Methodist

Lung Cancer Screening & Early Detection | Houston Methodist
...
Cancer Types
Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer Screening
Services & Specialties
Cancer Center
Cancer Types
Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer Screening
Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer — cancer that starts in the trachea (windpipe), bronchus (main airway) or lung tissue — is the most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Annual lung cancer screening can lead to earlier detection, when it’s more treatable.
Knowing your individual risk factors for lung cancer is important for early detection and improved
treatment options
. At Houston Methodist, we offer comprehensive consultations to help you understand your risks and take measured steps to manage your health.
Advanced Screenings for Lung Cancer
There are currently no blood tests to screen for lung cancer. Lung cancer screening is conducted using advanced imaging technology, including low dose computed tomography (LDCT). During screening, an imaging technician takes pictures of the inside of your chest. A radiologist then reviews the scans, searching for any small masses that may need to be tested for cancer.
Lung Cancer Menu
Lung
Cancer
Lung Cancer
Symptoms
Lung Cancer Prevention &
Screening
Understanding a Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Lung Cancer Treatment
Options
Specialty Lung Cancer
Clinic
Counseling &
Support
Lung Cancer Research & Clinical Trials
How Can We Help?
713.441.5864
How Can We Help?
Not Sure if You Qualify for Screening?
Find Out if You Qualify
Not Sure if You Qualify for Screening?
How Can We Help?
How Can We Help?
713.441.5864
We offer these additional benefits to those who qualify for screening:
Robot-assisted bronchoscopy of suspicious lung nodules using Auris Health's Monarch™
Platform, offering improved detection of early stages of lung cancer
Help determining insurance coverage and payment options
Health care consultations about your results
Access to a smoking cessation program dedicated to helping people quit smoking
Referral to Houston Methodist lung specialists
Eligibility Guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening
We offer routine lung cancer screening for early diagnosis so high-risk patients can get the treatments they need as quickly as possible, sometimes even before
symptoms
occur. This is important because the earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
To be eligible to be screened for lung cancer, you must be 50 to 80 years old. In addition, you must currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years. You must also have at least a 20-pack-year smoking history — one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years.
Talk with your doctor to find out if you qualify for screening. Houston Methodist offers lung cancer screening at nine locations across Greater Houston, allowing you or your loved one to receive care close to home or work.
Find out if you qualify for screening
American College of Radiology Designation
The American College of Radiology awards special recognition to facilities for quality standards and performance through the Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center™ program. Houston Methodist lung cancer screening locations in Baytown, Sugar Land, Texas Medical Center and West Houston hold this designation.
Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
A risk factor is anything that increases your odds of developing lung cancer. It is important to be aware of your individual risk factors.
Tobacco smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer, linked to 80 to 90% of lung cancer deaths. People who smoke cigarettes, cigars or pipes are 15 to 30 times more likely to develop lung cancer than nonsmokers. The more cigarettes someone smokes, the more their risk for developing lung cancer increases.
Vaping is the use of electronic cigarettes, including e-cigarettes, e-cigs or vapes. New research suggests that people who smoke tobacco cigarettes and also vape are four times more likely to develop lung cancer than people who only smoke tobacco cigarettes.
Radon is another major cause of lung cancer, and the number one cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that escapes from certain uranium-containing soils and rock formations and can seep into the home, particularly at the ground floor level.
Radon gas cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. Long-term exposure to radon can damage the DNA of cells and lead to lung cancer.
Additional personal, health and lifestyle risk factors include:
Personal history of lung cancer
Family history of lung cancer (especially parents, brothers, sisters or children)
Cancer survivors who had radiation therapy to the chest
Regular exposure to certain chemicals such as asbestos, arsenic or diesel exhaust
Living in areas with higher air pollution
Secondhand smoke (exposure to tobacco smoke from other people)
Vitamin supplements like beta carotene for people who smoke one or more packs per day
One or more risk factors do not guarantee you will develop lung cancer. At the same time, few or no risk factors do not mean you will not develop lung cancer.
To discuss your specific risks and prevention tactics,
book an appointment
with one of our specialists.
About Lung Cancer Screening & Risks
Lung screening LDCT (low dose computed tomography) scan results range from no evidence of disease (negative or benign results) to suspicion of cancer. Most suspicious nodules do not turn out to be cancerous.
A positive screening LDCT may require further imaging exams and a biopsy to determine whether the suspicious finding is lung cancer.
Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiply in your lung tissues, bronchus or windpipe. There are two main types of lung cancer:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
– This type is common, accounting for 80% of lung cancer cases. It typically grows and spreads more slowly. If detected early, it can be cured with surgery more than 50% of the time.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
– This rare type of lung cancer is typically fast-growing and aggressive. It is commonly found after it has already metastasized (spread) elsewhere in the body. This type is almost always caused by smoking.
There are ways you can reduce your risk of lung cancer, including dietary and lifestyle changes, regular screenings and genetic testing.
Know Your Family History
Your family history gives you a lot of information that can help you and your doctor potentially stay ahead of a cancer diagnosis. If you had a close family member diagnosed with lung cancer, you are twice as likely to develop lung cancer. Your risk increases if you smoke tobacco or live with someone who does.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of lung cancer. Eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Avoid smoking and reduce your alcohol intake.
Get Regular Care From Your PCP
A crucial part of cancer prevention includes getting regular care before you notice any symptoms. Work with your
primary-care provider (PCP)
for your annual checkups, immunizations and any recommended screenings.
Pay Attention to Your Body
You know what's normal for your body and what is not, so you often notice subtle changes first. Let your doctor know if you regularly experience a worsening or persistent cough, shortness of breath or chest pain, coughing up blood, ongoing fatigue or unexplained weight loss. Schedule an appointment with your physician right away if you have any concerns or questions.
Houston Methodist Lung Center
The Houston Methodist Lung Center in the Texas Medical Center is a single center of expertise in the diagnosis and management of all lung diseases, from the most common to the most complex breathing and respiratory conditions.
More About This
Specialty Lung Cancer Clinic
The Specialty Lung Cancer Clinic offers lung cancer patients expedited evaluation and disease management. Our medical, surgical and radiation oncologists routinely consult and focus on the individual patient. We develop personalized care plans that include the most innovative treatments to improve outcomes.
About the Clinic
Lung Cancer Symptoms
Know these common, and sometimes subtle, symptoms of lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Find information about the tests and tools used to diagnose lung cancer.
Find a Location Near You
Load More Locations
TOP
Did you find this page helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.