CT scans identify lung cancers similar in severity to those found through traditional methods

A new study led by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine suggests that computed tomography (CT) scans are more effective than traditional detection methods at identifying aggressive lung cancers in their most treatable stages. According to the report, 79 percent of the cases diagnosed through annual repeat rounds of CT scans were detected at clinical Stage I, versus 15 percent through traditional methods. One concern was that lung cancers diagnosed with CT screenings may be less serious than those diagnosed in traditional settings. However, they have been determined to be similar to those found in routine practice, both in terms of tumor growth rates and cell-type distribution. “It is recommended that people at high risk for lung cancer speak with their health care provider to discuss the benefits and risks of screening in order to make an informed decision about enrolling in a screening program,” Claudia I. Henschke, principal investigator of the study, said.