Screening for early lung cancer with low-dose spiral computed tomography: results of annual follow-up examinations in asymptomatic smokers.

The aim of this study was analysis of incidence results in a prospective one-arm feasibility study of lung cancer screening with low-radiation-dose spiral computed tomography in heavy smokers. Eight hundred seventeen smokers (> or =40 years, > or =20 pack years of smoking history) underwent baseline low-dose CT. Biopsy was recommended in nodules >10 mm with CT morphology suggesting malignancy.

Screening for early lung cancer with low-dose spiral CT: prevalence in 817 asymptomatic smokers.

Purpose: To present prevalence screening data from a nonrandomized screening trial by using low-dose computed tomography (CT) and a simple algorithm based on the size and attenuation of detected nodules to guide diagnostic work-up.

Materials And Methods: Eight hundred seventeen asymptomatic volunteers (age range, 40-78 years; median age, 53 years; median tobacco consumption, 45 pack-years) underwent spiral low-dose CT of the chest without contrast material enhancement. We regarded all noncalcified pulmonary nodules greater than 10 mm in diameter as potentially malignant and recommended histologic examination or follow-up after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months to exclude growth.