Importance of Lung Screening

Victor Gordon, MD, discusses why lung screenings are important, who represents a good candidate for screening, and what treatment options are considered should the screening detect something concerning.

In the interview, Dr. Gordon answers the following:

1) As a pulmonologist, you see a wide range of lung diseases and conditions. What are some of the conditions you see most often in your practice?
2) One of the most frightening diagnoses for patients is cancer. Obviously, smoking is a key risk factor. Is a lung cancer diagnosis always a result of cigarette smoking, or could there be other causes for the disease?
3) Thirty years ago, a diagnosis of lung cancer was often considered a death sentence. However, that’s not always the case any longer. Can you tell our listeners how evolving technology in detection and treatment of the disease has improved outcomes for those diagnosed with lung cancer?
4) Lung screening in its current form may be new to some of our listeners. Can you describe the process?
5) Who’s the best candidate for lung screening? Are there specific criteria or risk factors that make some individuals a more likely screening candidate?
6) What about individuals who have already quit smoking, maybe for several years? Should they consider lung screening?
7) If the screening is positive, what are the treatment options?