Lung Cancer Screening Specialist
-
- Tweet
Amanuel Sima, M.D., F.A.A.S.M.
Internist & Pulmonologist located in Beverly Hills, CA & Inglewood, CA
Lung cancer screening detects cancer at an early stage, while it can still be cured. Without screening, most cases are diagnosed after the cancer is so advanced it’s not treatable. Dr. Amanuel Sima, MD, performs a thorough risk assessment to determine if you’re a good candidate for life-saving lung cancer screening, then he has you undergo a low-dose CT scan. To schedule your appointment, call one of the offices in Beverly Hills and Inglewood, California, or use the online booking feature.
Lung Cancer Screening Q & A
What should I know about lung cancer?
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, with tobacco smoking responsible for 80-90% of all cases. Your risk is also higher if you’re exposed to secondhand smoke. However, nonsmokers who have never been exposed to secondhand smoke can also develop lung cancer.
The cancer-causing substances in cigarette smoke damage cells inside your lungs. Initially, your body can repair the damage, but with each repeated exposure, the damage becomes permanent. Then the cells grow abnormally and develop into cancer.
What symptoms develop due to lung cancer?
Lung cancer doesn’t cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, making screening a vital tool for high-risk patients. As the disease progressively damages lung tissue, you’ll develop symptoms such as:
- New cough that doesn’t get better
- New onset of wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Weight loss
- Feeling tired
- Chest pain
When lung cancer spreads, you’ll experience different symptoms depending on the part of the body affected.
Am I a good candidate for lung cancer screening?
If you’re interested in lung cancer screening, the first step is to talk with Dr. Sima so that he can evaluate your risk factors, examine your lungs, and determine if you’re a good candidate for screening. This decision should be made together with Dr. Sima because the screening test is only intended for people who have a high risk of developing lung cancer.
The American Lung Association and the US Preventive Services Task Force recommend lung cancer screening for patients who meet these criteria:
- Aged 55-80
- Current smoker
- Former smoker who quit within the last 15 years
- History of smoking 1 pack daily for 30 years or 2 packs daily for 15 years
Dr. Sima also evaluates other risk factors such as a family history of lung cancer and exposure to radon, asbestos, secondhand smoke, or other cancer-causing substances to determine if they should influence your decision about lung cancer screening.
How is lung cancer screening performed?
Dr. Sima performs lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). LDCT is a unique type of CT scan that combines a specialized X-ray with computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of your lungs. LDCT produces exceptional diagnostic imaging while using 90% less ionizing radiation than a conventional chest CT scan.
To learn if you’re a good candidate for lung cancer screening, call Dr. Amanuel Sima, MD, or schedule an appointment online.
