Lung Cancer Screening
Screening for Lung Cancer in Las Vegas
Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Nevada. Despite such a high mortality rate, studies show that early detection can increase a patient’s chances of survival. Comprehensive Cancer Centers encourages early detection for all cancer types, especially lung cancer, given our ability to screen for the disease and help save lives.
Low-Dose CT Scan at Comprehensive (LDCT)
Comprehensive offers screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT) for people at high risk for lung cancer, the only recommended screening test for the disease.
LDCT is used to find nodules in the lungs and takes many pictures of the inside of your body from different angles using x-rays. The amount of radiation used is much lower than standard doses of a CT scan and contrast dye should not be used. Designated ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center at all four of our radiation locations:
- Northwest Treatment Center
- Central Valley Treatment Center
- Southwest Treatment Center
- Henderson Treatment Center
Do I Qualify For Lung Cancer Screening?
Lung cancer is more likely to be successfully treated when found at an earlier stage, when it is small and before it has spread to other areas. Typically, the symptoms of lung cancer do not appear until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage, therefore, screening is meant to detect cancer in those who are asymptomatic.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s guidelines recommend the following:
- Anyone between the ages 50 and 80, who has smoked at least 20 “pack-years”
- Anyone who still smokes
- Anyone who quit smoking within the last 15 years
A pack-year means smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for a year or an equivalent amount. Someone could qualify by going through a pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years. Please note, it is important to refer to your health plan to ensure the new recommendation for low-dose CT lung cancer screening is covered by your insurance.
How Do I Schedule a Lung Screening?
You can set up a lung screening by clicking here:
Bronchoscopy at Lung Center of Nevada
Bronchoscopies are offered by the Lung Center physicians for diagnosis and staging of Lung Cancer. They are performed under anesthesia to ensure maximal patient comfort and the best results.
Our physicians can biopsy lung nodules or masses (commonly called ‘spots’ in the lungs) using various techniques.
This is done for lung cancer diagnosis. We also employ real-time endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) scanning in the chest to examine lymph nodes (or lymph glands) and biopsy them if needed. This is done for lung cancer staging.
For lung cancer diagnosis, we employ one of the following procedures.
- Robotic Assisted Bronchoscopy (using the ION Endoluminal Platform): A pre-procedure CT (Computed Tomography) scan of the lung is performed. Using advanced navigation software, an interactive 3-D map of the patients lungs is created. Then, during the procedure, the Robotic Bronchoscope is maneuvered (using a control platform) precisely toward the lung nodule or mass that is being biopsied while using this map in real-time as a reference and guide.
- This procedure is offered at MountainView and Southern Hills Hospitals.
- Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy (using the Veran Platform): A pre-procedure CT (Computed Tomography) scan of the lung is performed. Using advanced navigation software, an interactive 3-D map of the patients lungs is created. Then, during the procedure, a flexible bronchoscope is maneuvered precisely toward the lung nodule or mass that is being biopsied while using this map in real-time as a reference and guide.
- This procedure is offered at MountainView and Summerlin Hospitals.
Also, our physicians may choose to add-on EBUS in addition to one of the procedures above for lung cancer staging. Both procedures are done in the same setting and under anesthesia.
Comprehensive Lung Cancer Screening in Las Vegas
Comprehensive Cancer Centers and its lung division, Lung Center of Nevada, offers evaluations for lung cancer screenings in Las Vegas as well as low-dose CT scans for those who are at risk. Share your smoking history with your doctor to confirm what test you may need.
Lung Center of Nevada Locations
