Effective Screening for Lung Cancer. Is it X-Ray or CT Scan?

Investigators are seeking to define the correlation between lung cancer screening methods and mortality rates.

Lung cancer is prevalent in the world, causing major concerns in the economy and public health in many regions. The disease is often diagnosed late when it has already metastasized. Lung cancer is attributed to cigarette smoking, although other factors contribute to the risk.

For many years, chest X-ray has been one of the standard diagnostic imaging tools for lung cancer. But computed tomography (CT) came along and has gained recognition for being able to create 3D images of the chest. This has helped to provide high resolution of nodules and tumor pathology. The only drawback for CT is its high rate of false positives that cause unnecessary secondary invasive tests and patient anxiety.

Early detection of lung cancer is crucial, and scientists are trying to find out whether an X-ray or CT scan is the best screening method. It is essential to identify visible nodules in the lungs before they metastasize to reduce mortality rates.

According to an ongoing study, Computer-Aided Detection (CAD), used together with CT in lung cancer will help to highlight suspicious nodules in the lung morphology and help physicians to assess the changes in nodule size and track treatment progression. CAD can also help radiologists to view ultra-small pulmonary nodules, which are as little as 6 mm.

Since CAD can help to boost the efficiency of cancer detection and management, it will become the best option in standard care when used with CT chest exams, helping oncologists with extra decision support.

CAD is still under investigation to confirm its effectiveness as an excellent diagnostic aid for CT lung screening. Once its capabilities are proven, it may be determined that CAD aided CT can outperform chest X-rays as a novel lung cancer screening method.