[b]Irving, TX[/b] – Lung cancer continues to affect people every year and many are succumbing to it. It stands as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S alone for both men and women. Its effect is widespread, and researchers continue to dig deeper in an effort to find better techniques for detection, diagnosis, and treatment. A step in the right direction is the CT (computed tomography) scan which is so far the most effective method of lung cancer diagnosis.

“A CT scan shows whether a tumor is present, its shape, size, and position. It is usually done as follow-up after a series of preliminary tests or as a response to suspected symptoms,” says the radiologist. “Screening for lung cancer even when there are minimal or no symptoms is always advisable. It will provide an opportunity to catch the disease early before it progresses too far. This will provide a chance for treatment to be effective thus saving the patient’s life.”

Older citizens are more susceptible to lung cancer and Medicare has chosen to cover CT lung cancer screening for them. The details of the arrangement are as follows:

• Patients must be between 55 and 77 years of age, should be current smokers and have a smoking history of 30 packs per year or have quit smoking in the last 15 years but have a history of 30 packs a year.

• Patients that qualify for,and would like to utilize this service need to visit facilities accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Registry gathers data from scans and follow-up visits at the accredited facilities. This is meant to ensure compliance with the given stipulations.

“This test may sometimes be out of reach for many due to the cost but this new commitment from Medicare comes in to bridge this gap, explains the oncologist,“ More patients will be reached and more lives saved because of it.”

[b]About PET/CT of Las Colinas[/b]

PET/CT of Las Colinas is dedicated to the care and wellbeing of our patients. We understand that the foundation of a successful treatment plan – or a clean bill of health – begins with sophisticated, accurate imagery. We look forward to providing you with the highest level of care. Our imaging center is located conveniently across the highway from the Las Colinas Medical Center within the Las Colinas Cancer Center on Highway 161 in Irving, TX. and – once here – we offer hassle-free curbside parking.