Understanding the Results
Your report will list any abnormalities that were recognized by our
radiologists. There will be general recommendations for follow-up scans
(for small nodules) or a visit with your doctor or lung specialist (for
larger nodules or other significant findings).
Reports revealing any unexpected results like pneumonia
or emphysema should be taken to your doctor with the results of your
pulmonary function tests. Our center can always consult with your doctor
and make copies of film if necessary. For patients at high risk for
lung cancer (see who should have test), it is generally recommended
that screening CT should be done every 1-2 years.
For patients with small noncalcified nodules (5
mm or less in size), repeat scans at same facility are recommended at
3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months to look for changes in number
and size of nodules. We have lowered the price
of such followup scans. They are usually covered by insurance.
Larger nodules (especially calcified) or multiple
nodules (over 6) deserve examination by a lung specialist.
For an excellent diagram of suggested followup care, review
the flowchart at http://www.lifescore.com/lungwhite.htm
(and scrolling half way down the page) developed by the doctors at Lifescore.
A good resource for understanding spirometry can be found at the National
Lung Health Education Program's Web site at http://www.nlhep.org.
