Lung cancer causes more deaths than the next three deadliest cancers combined. Chances are you know a family member, a friend or a co-worker who has experienced the debilitating effects of lung cancer. Luckily, there are new technologies providing hope.
Advanced Body Scan has partnered with GE Healthcare to implement new CT lung cancer screenings. With Advanced Body Scan and GE Healthcare’s track record of success, this CT technology provides the Oklahoma City metro community a crucial edge against this deadly disease.
With GE Healthcare, Advanced Body Scan is now able to assist both physicians and patients with their lung cancer screening advancements. Since procedural guidance is crucial to the medical profession, GE’s CT lung cancer screening protocols function in tandem with the CT system and the recommendation of governmental and professional medical organizations.
What is Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells do not carry out the functions of normal lung cells and do not develop into healthy lung tissue. As they grown, the abnormal cells can form tumors and interfere with the functioning of the lung.
There are two major types of lung cancer. Staging lung cancer is based on whether the cancer is local or has spread from the lungs to the lymph nodes or other organs. Due to the size of the lungs, tumors can form and not be detected.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer accounts for 85% of lung cancers and has four stages:
- Stage I – The cancer is located only in the lungs and has not spread to any lymph nodes.
- Stage II – The cancer is in the lung and nearly lymph nodes.
- Stage III – Cancer is found in the lung and in the lymph node in the middle of the chest. It is also described as locally advanced disease and has two sub categories.
- Stage IIIA – Cancer has spread only to lymph nodes on the same side of the chest where it started.
- Stage IIIB – Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest, or above the collar bone.
- Stage IV – This is the most advanced stage of lung cancer. This is when the cancer has spread to both lungs, to fluid in the area around the lungs, or to another part of the body such as the liver or other organs.
Small Cell Lung Cancer accounts for the remaining 15% of lung cancers in the U.S. These tend to grow more quickly, however they respond more responsive to chemotherapy. This consists of two stages:
Limited Stage – The cancer is found on one side of the chest, involving just one part of the lung and nearby lymph.
Extensive Stage – The cancer has spread to other regions of the chest or other parts of the body.
Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
- Family history of cancer
- Smokers and exposure to second hand smoke
- Exposure to asbestos, radon, or industrial substances
- Air pollution
- Tuberculosis
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
- Persistent or intense coughing
- Pain in chest, shoulder, or back
- Change in color or volume of sputum
- Shortness of breath
- Change in voice or becoming hoarse
- Harsh sounds with each breath
- Recurrent lung problems such as bronchitis or pneumonia
- Coughing up phlegm or mucus, especially if tinged with blood
- Coughing up blood
Symptoms outside of the chest
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Muscle wasting
- Fatigue
- Headaches, bone or joint pain
- Bone fractures not related to accidental injury
- Neurological symptoms, unsteady gait or memory loss
- Neck or facial swelling
- General weakness
- Bleeding
- Blood Clots
The GE Optima CT lung scan at Advanced Body Scan is the single most effective technology available to simply and non-invasively detect signs of lung cancer.
Call Advanced Body Scan today and begin your journey to a healthier, happier you (405) 242-1400.