Lung cancer ranks among the top five causes of cancer-related death in Thailand and globally. According to data from the National Cancer Institute, in 2019, there was an average of 47 new lung cancer cases diagnosed daily, accounting for 17,222 cases annually. Notably, the incidence of lung cancer is higher in males than females. Individuals at high risk include those who smoke regularly and are over the age of 50, those frequently exposed to pollutants, dust, or smoke, and those with a history of lung diseases, including tuberculosis, emphysema, chronic pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, etc.
The alarming aspect of lung cancer is that most patients are unaware of their condition, as lung cancer typically presents no early symptoms or warning signs. By the time symptoms manifest, prompting medical consultation, cancer is often already advanced, greatly diminishing the likelihood of a cure compared to early-stage detection.
MedPark Hospital promotes low-dose CT lung cancer screenings to increase lung cancer awareness and reduce its risks. This quick and safe procedure provides results within a few hours. Those meeting the screening criteria recommended by a doctor should have annual screenings. Early detection and proper and timely treatment can restore the quality of life and transform lung cancer into a “less daunting” condition.
For those meeting the criteria set by physicians, annual screening is advisable. This proactive approach facilitates the early identification of lung cancer, allowing for timely and appropriate treatment, ultimately improving quality of life and transforming perceptions of cancer into a “less daunting” condition.
Why low-dose CT lung cancer (LDCLC) screening at MedPark?
- Every step of lung cancer screening is supervised by medical specialists, including pulmonologists, critical care specialists, diagnostic radiologists, and a multidisciplinary team with expertise in diagnostic radiology. Our team has deep expertise in diagnosing and treating lung cancer at all stages and fully understands the disease. We meticulously evaluate every potential abnormality that may signal the presence of lung cancer, ensuring lung cancer detection in the earliest stage.
- A low-dose CT lung cancer screening is a highly accurate imaging technique with minimal radiation exposure, needing no injection of contrast dye and causing no pain or discomfort. The procedure lasts only 2 to 3 minutes, producing high-resolution, three-dimensional images that effectively capture small lesions or abnormalities. Early detection of lung cancer in its initial stages can reduce mortality by up to 20%, especially among high-risk individuals.
- MedPark Hospital provides personalized care for each patient if signs of lung cancer are detected. Our dedicated team of multidisciplinary specialists in oncology, radiology, psychology, and nutrition collaborates to develop tailored treatment plans that meet each patient's health needs. We provide ongoing support and encouragement during their treatment to improve their quality of life and time with family.
Review: Lung Cancer Screening at MedPark Hospital
High Precision. Early Detection. Risk Reduction. Illness Prevention.
1. Schedule an appointment via multiple channels
Scheduling a low-dose CT lung cancer screening at MedPark is simple and convenient through multiple channels:
- Call Center: 02-023-3333
- Line Official: @medpark.thailand
- Facebook: MedPark Hospital – International & Expats
- Website: www.medparkhospital.com
- My MedPark application via the Appointment feature
For new patients, it is possible to request advance registration or register onsite in person at the Patient Registration counter on the Ground Floor.
*Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment to complete new patient registration.
2. Check in at Pulmonary Clinic, 8th Floor, Counter C
The check-in process is simple and convenient. Just give your first and last name and the selected lung cancer screening package to the nurse at the Pulmonary Clinic, 8th Floor, Counter C. The nurse will call you shortly for a vital sign assessment.
3. Vital sign assessment
The vital sign assessment provides an overview of your health, including your weight, height, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rates, temperature, and blood oxygen saturation levels. Once complete, the nurse will direct you to the examination room to see a pulmonologist.
4. History taking and preliminary lung assessment by a pulmonologist
Today, Assist. Prof.Dr Chaiwut Sawawiboon, a pulmonary specialist with extensive critical care experience for ICU patients, is conducting the examination. He will ask about your medical history, such as:
- Do you have any family history of lung cancer?
- Have you ever had pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, or COVID-19?
- Were you a heavy smoker?
- Have you been exposed to secondhand smoke?
- Have you lived in areas with long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, or toxic fumes?
These insights help assess your risk factors and establish a solid foundation for further evaluation.
This information helps determine your risk level for lung cancer. Subsequently, the doctor will perform a physical examination by auscultating your lungs and then refer you for a lung CT scan.
5. Lung cancer screening preparation at Medical Imaging Center, 6th Floor, Counter B.
For low-dose CT lung cancer screening, proceed to the Medical Imaging Center at Counter B on the 6th floor. Upon arrival, present your documents and inform the staff that you are there for lung cancer screening. They will ask you to change into a hospital gown and provide a locker to store your belongings securely during the procedure.
6. Medical history review and vital sign assessment by a registered nurse.
Before undergoing the lung CT scan, a preliminary health assessment and medical history review will be conducted by a registered nurse. This step is crucial to ensure you are ready for the procedure. For female patients, the nurse will specifically inquire to confirm that you are not pregnant or may be pregnant.
7. Guidance on the low-dose CT lung cancer screening by the radiology technologist.
After completing your medical history, the nurse will escort you to the CT scan room, where the radiology technologist will guide you through the procedure. They will position you for the scan and encourage you to ask any questions you may have during the process.
The radiology technologist will explain each step of the procedure in clear and easy-to-understand language and with a friendly tone, effectively alleviating any anxiety you might experience. If you have concerns about the CT scanner, feel free to voice them, as the staff is committed to addressing your worries and ensuring that your experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
8. Lung cancer screening by a radiologist and radiology technologist.
When you are in the correct position for the scan – a supine position with your arms raised above your head, the examination table will move into the CT scanner gantry. The radiologist and radiology technologist on the other side of the room will instruct you to inhale and hold your breath. The CT machine will emit an X-ray beam spiraling around your chest. During this time, the radiologist will review the preliminary images to check for abnormalities or lesions. This process takes about 2 to 3 minutes to complete.
The radiologist then accesses all 3D X-ray images to read and interpret the results.
9. Behind the scenes: result interpretation by a radiologist
As you await the results, the radiologist meticulously scrutinizes the scan, not missing even the slightest signs of abnormality.
Are you curious about what the radiology reading room, where a radiologist works, looks like? Today, MedPark takes you behind the scenes. You can see the images captured by the low-dose CT lung scanner are of high quality and resolution, enabling the radiologist to identify even the tiniest abnormalities or early-stage lung cancer with greater accuracy.
10. Review the lung cancer screening results with a pulmonologist.
The waiting time for your test results is approximately 1 to 2 hours. The nurse will call you to return to the General Medicine Center on the 8th floor, where you initially met the pulmonologist. During this session, the pulmonologist will explain your results in clear, understandable language, provide self-care recommendations to minimize lung cancer risk, and offer you an opportunity to ask any questions.
When the scan reveals abnormalities or small masses, the pulmonologist will recommend further testing. The staff in the General Medicine department will promptly schedule an appointment with the relevant specialist, ensuring that those at risk receive further timely evaluation and care.
11. Receive your lung cancer screening results before heading home.
Those with no abnormalities will obtain a result report from a nurse and may return home.
Low-dose CT lung cancer screening today is quick and efficient with minimal waiting times for results. MedPark medical professionals at the General Medicine Center (8C) and the Medical Imaging Center (6B) provide attentive care and excellent support, ensuring a smooth and rapid screening process.
Individuals at high risk of lung cancer or those at lower risk seeking annual lung health assessments can come to MedPark Hospital for the service. The low-dose CT lung cancer screening is safe and uses a minimal radiation dose while delivering highly accurate results, effectively reducing the risk of missing lung cancer. Detecting lung cancer at an early stage can significantly enhance treatment success rates and reduce mortality from lung cancer by as much as 20%.
If you are interested in having a low-dose CT lung cancer screening at MedPark Hospital, please click here.
Who should undergo low-dose CT lung cancer screening?
- Individuals aged between 50 and 80 years
- Regular smokers, including those who smoke more than one pack per day for 20 years (20 pack-years)
- Individuals who smoked over one pack daily for 20 years (20 pack-years) and have quit for less than 15 years.
- Individuals with a close family member with lung cancer, such as parents or siblings
- Individuals who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke or live with smokers
- Individuals who have been in contact with hazardous chemicals or radon gas
- Individuals residing in environments with long-term air pollution exposure, such as asbestos or PM2.5
How many lung cancer screening methods are available? Why should I choose low-dose CT lung cancer screening?
For high-risk individuals, as outlined above, numerous organizations—including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, American Cancer Society, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)—recommend low-dose CT lung cancer screening as an effective method for detecting lung cancer. While a chest X-ray can also reveal lung lesions, the sensitivity to detect early-stage abnormalities is lower compared to low-dose CT lung cancer screening, which offers a higher accuracy rate for early and precise diagnosis.
Where should I have lung cancer screening?
According to the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) in the United States, annual lung cancer screening with low-dose CT for high-risk individuals aged 50 and above can reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 20%. This method provides significantly more accurate results than standard chest X-rays, making it the preferred choice for effective early detection.
If you are at risk and seeking a reliable lung cancer screening, look for a hospital offering low-dose CT lung cancer screening. MedPark Hospital stands ready with advanced technology and a team of dedicated professionals to provide comprehensive lung health screenings, empowering patients with up-to-date knowledge and reducing the risk of advanced-stage lung cancer.
Why choose MedPark for lung cancer screening?
- Utilize low-dose CT technology to minimize radiation exposure.
- Deliver high-precision and high-resolution 3D imaging.
- Require no special preparation for the screening.
- Quick and efficient procedure completed within minutes
- No contrast agents, incisions, or pain
- Detects small lesions, early-stage lung cancer, and subtle abnormalities with exceptional accuracy
- Provides rapid results, allowing immediate referral to oncology specialists if any signs of disease or abnormalities are detected.
How should I prepare myself for low-dose CT lung cancer screening at MedPark?
Low-dose CT lung cancer screening at MedPark requires no fasting. Upon arrival, staff will ask you to change into a hospital gown and remove any jewelry or metal objects, such as earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, please inform the staff immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How often should I undergo low-dose CT lung cancer screening?
A: Individuals at high risk or those who quit smoking more than 15 years ago but have a history of smoking over 20 pack-years are advised to have an annual screening up to age 80. - Q: Is radiation exposure from low-dose CT lung cancer screening harmful?
A: No, it is not harmful. For each low-dose CT scan, radiologists and radiology technologists meticulously adjust the radiation dose to be as low as possible, substantially lower than a standard CT scan, while ensuring sharp and accurate images. The radiation exposure is also less than the amount encountered from natural background radiation over an entire year.