Annual Scan for Non-solid Lung Nodules

A recent study that was published in Radiology has hailed annual low dose Computerized Tomography (LDCT) scan to be the single most effective technique for the purpose of monitoring the non-solid lung nodules and in guiding the treatment and prognosis. It went on to say that annual scans can save the patients with lung nodules from unnecessary tests and surgery. 

The study collected the data from 57,496 people who participated in International Early Lung Cancer Program, a global venture to decrease lung cancer mortality. Amongst the screened individuals, 4.2% were found to have non-solid tumors and thus73 cases of adenocarcinoma were diagnosed. Follow-up of the participants was done for 6 years and it led to diagnosis of non-solid tumors in another 0.7 percent. 22 cases progressed to form solid tumors over an average span of 2 years. Various methods were employed to treat these tumors and the survival rate was 100 percent. 

Thus the safety and effectiveness of this non-invasive technique for the diagnosis of non-solid tumors was validated. The study suggested the conduction of lung biopsy only when the tumors develop solid component. It said that early treatment of non-solid tumors has no favorable results and should be avoided in the early stages.

Introduction of annual CT scanning protocol can save undue costs of various tests that have to be done repeatedly for monitoring such tumors. It can also pave way for timely intervention so that the progression of pre-cancerous lesions to tumors can be prevented and so that lung cancers can be screened early on.