Lung Cancer Screening in Vienna, VA

Lung Cancer Screening, Vienna, VA

Lung cancer screening can help detect lung cancer at an earlier stage, when it may be easier to evaluate and treat. For people who have a history of smoking or other risk factors for lung cancer, discussing screening with a pulmonary specialist can be an important part of protecting long-term lung health.

At NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates, our pulmonary specialists provide lung cancer screening evaluations in Vienna, VA for patients throughout Fairfax County and Northern Virginia. We can review your medical and smoking history, discuss your individual risk factors, and help determine whether lung cancer screening is appropriate for you.

NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates

📍 Vienna Office
124 Park Street SE, Suite 203
Vienna, VA 22180
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📞 571-367-0000

Office Hours:

Mon – Fri: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Sat & Sun: Closed

What Is Lung Cancer Screening?

Lung cancer screening is designed to look for signs of lung cancer in people who may be at increased risk but do not currently have symptoms of the disease.

The primary test used for lung cancer screening is a low-dose CT scan (LDCT). Unlike a standard chest X-ray, a low-dose CT scan produces detailed images of the lungs that may reveal small abnormalities or lung nodules that require further evaluation.

Screening does not mean that you have lung cancer. It is a preventive measure intended to identify concerning changes as early as possible in people who meet appropriate screening criteria.

Who Should Consider Lung Cancer Screening?

Current guidelines recommend annual low-dose CT lung cancer screening for certain people with a significant history of cigarette smoking.

You may be a candidate for lung cancer screening if you:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old
• Have a 20 pack-year or greater smoking history
• Currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years

A pack-year is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years you smoked. For example, smoking one pack per day for 20 years equals a 20 pack-year history.

Screening recommendations depend on your individual circumstances. A pulmonologist can review your smoking history, overall health, previous imaging and other risk factors to determine whether screening is appropriate for you.

Why Is Early Detection Important?

Lung cancer may develop without noticeable symptoms during its early stages. By the time persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or other symptoms develop, the disease may already be more advanced.

Lung cancer screening is intended to identify suspicious changes before symptoms appear.

When abnormalities are detected during screening, they can be evaluated to determine whether additional imaging, monitoring or diagnostic testing is necessary.

What Happens During a Low-Dose CT Lung Screening?

A low-dose CT scan is a noninvasive imaging test that creates detailed pictures of your lungs.

The scan itself is generally quick. You lie on a table that moves through the CT scanner while images of your chest are taken. No incision is involved, and the examination uses a lower amount of radiation than a conventional diagnostic chest CT.

Your screening results are then reviewed to determine whether any abnormalities require additional evaluation.

What If a Lung Nodule Is Found?

Finding a lung nodule on a CT scan does not automatically mean you have lung cancer.

Lung nodules are relatively common and may develop for many reasons, including previous infections, inflammation, scar tissue and other noncancerous conditions.

If your screening identifies a pulmonary nodule, our pulmonary specialists can evaluate factors such as:

• Size of the nodule
• Shape and appearance
• Location within the lung
• Whether the nodule is solid or partially solid
• Changes compared with previous imaging
• Your age and smoking history
• Other personal risk factors

Depending on these findings, your pulmonologist may recommend follow-up imaging, continued monitoring or additional diagnostic testing.

Lung Cancer Risk Factors

Cigarette smoking is the most significant risk factor for lung cancer, but it is not the only consideration.

Other factors that may affect lung cancer risk can include:

• Secondhand smoke exposure
• Radon exposure
• Occupational exposure to asbestos or other substances
• Previous radiation therapy involving the chest
• Family history of lung cancer
• Certain chronic lung diseases
• Increasing age

If you are concerned about your lung cancer risk but do not meet standard screening criteria, talk with a pulmonary specialist about your individual situation.

Lung Cancer Screening vs. Diagnostic Testing

Lung cancer screening is generally intended for people at increased risk who do not have symptoms.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as a persistent or worsening cough, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, chest pain or increasing shortness of breath, your physician may recommend a diagnostic evaluation rather than routine screening.

The appropriate testing depends on your symptoms, medical history and individual risk factors.

Pulmonary Specialists in Vienna, VA

NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates provides comprehensive pulmonary care for patients in Vienna and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.

Our pulmonary team can help evaluate your lung cancer risk, review previous imaging, discuss low-dose CT screening and coordinate appropriate follow-up when an abnormality is identified.

Patients may also be evaluated for related pulmonary concerns, including lung nodules, COPD, emphysema, chronic cough, shortness of breath and other respiratory conditions.

Schedule a Lung Cancer Screening Evaluation in Vienna, VA

If you have a history of smoking or are concerned about your risk for lung cancer, talk with a pulmonary specialist about whether screening may be appropriate for you.

NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates
124 Park Street SE, Suite 203
Vienna, VA 22180
Phone: 571-367-0000

Our Vienna pulmonary specialists serve patients throughout Vienna, Tysons, McLean, Fairfax, Falls Church, Oakton and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.

Schedule an appointment to discuss your lung health, risk factors and whether lung cancer screening should be part of your preventive care.

Directions & Parking Information

Our Vienna office is located on Park Street SE near the Vienna Community Center and historic downtown Vienna.

Free parking available near the building
Elevator access to Suite 203
Easily accessible from Route 123 and I-66
Minutes from Tysons Corner

If you need assistance locating our office, please call and our staff will guide you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lung Cancer Screening

What test is used to screen for lung cancer?

Low-dose computed tomography, commonly called LDCT or low-dose CT, is the recommended imaging test for lung cancer screening in eligible high-risk individuals.

At what age should lung cancer screening begin?

Current screening recommendations generally begin at age 50 for people who meet the appropriate smoking-history criteria. Your healthcare provider can determine whether screening is appropriate based on your individual health and risk factors.

What does a 20 pack-year smoking history mean?

One pack-year equals smoking approximately one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, smoking one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years would both equal approximately 20 pack-years.

Can former smokers qualify for lung cancer screening?

Yes. Certain former smokers may qualify for screening, particularly if they stopped smoking within the past 15 years and meet the age and smoking-history criteria.

Does finding a lung nodule mean I have lung cancer?

No. Many pulmonary nodules are benign. If a nodule is found, your pulmonologist can evaluate its characteristics and determine whether monitoring or additional testing is appropriate.

Do I need lung cancer screening every year?

For people who continue to meet screening criteria, annual low-dose CT screening may be recommended. Your healthcare provider can advise you on the appropriate screening schedule.

NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates is committed to providing excellent care in all aspects of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Disorders. With offices located in Lansdowne and Dulles, South Riding, we offer care for the entire Northern Virginia region, serving locations from Chantilly, Fairfax, Vienna, Centreville, Manassas, Gainesville to Reston, Sterling, Leesburg, Ashburn, Brambleton, Purcellville and more.