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 and Seimens' track record of success, this CT technology provides the Oklahoma City metro community a crucial edge against this deadly disease.

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, 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 grew, 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 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.

What is Emphysema

Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath due to damaged air sacs in the lungs. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture, thus creating large air spaces instead of many small ones. This reduces the surface area of the lungs and the amount of oxygen that reaches your bloodstream.

As you exhale, the damaged lungs do not work properly and old air becomes trapped. This leaves no room for fresh, oxygen-rich air.

Many people who have emphysema also have chronic bronchitis. This is an inflammation of the tubes that carry air to your lungs and leads to a persistent cough. These two conditions together often lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Risk Factors for Emphysema

• Smoking (tobacco or marijuana)
• Most begin to experience symptoms age 40-60
• Exposure to second-hand smoke
• Occupational exposure to fumes or dust
• Exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution

Symptoms of Emphysema

• You can have emphysema for many years with no signs or symptoms.
• Shortness of breath, can’t climb stairs
• Lips or fingernails turn blue or gray with exertion
• You’re not mentally alert
• 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

People who have emphysema are more likely to develop a collapsed lung, heart problems, and large holes in the lungs. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to diagnose quickly.

The CT lung scan at Advanced Body Scan is the most effective technology available to simply and non-invasively detect signs of emphysema.

Call Advanced Body Scan today and begin your journey to a healthier, happier you (450) 242-1400.

What is Hiatal Hernia

A hernia is when an internal body part pushes into an area where it doesn’t belong. The hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest cavity from the abdomen.

Naturally, the esophagus goes through a hiatus and attaches to the stomach. However, in a hiatal hernia, the stomach bulges into the chest through that opening.

There are two types of Hiatal Hernia:

• Sliding – A Sliding Hernia is the most common. The stomach and the section of the esophagus that joins the stomach slide up into the chest through the hiatus.
• Paraesophageal – While less common, a Paraesophageal Hernia is more cause for concern. The esophagus and stomach stay in their normal locations, but part of the stomach squeezes through the hiatus. This can cause the stomach to have is blood supply cut off.

Risk Factors for Hiatal Hernia

• Overweight
• Over 50
• Persistent coughing
• Straining during bowel movements
• Pregnancy
• Repetitive vomiting

Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia

• Many people with hiatal hernia have no symptoms. However, symptoms can be similar to a heart attack or consist of:
• Severe pain in the abdomen or chest
• Heartburn related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Nausea
• Burping
• Unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas
• The rapid appearance of a large amount of saliva in the mouth that is stimulated by refluxing acid

Symptoms typically worsen after meals, or when lying flat.

As this disease rarely shows symptoms it is best diagnosed with a CT scan.

The CT lung scan at Advanced Body Scan is the most effective technology available to simply and non-invasively detect signs of a Hiatal Hernia.

Call Advanced Body Scan today and begin your journey to a healthier, happier you (450) 242-1400.

• Tuberculosis