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Preventative medical tests like lung screenings and mammograms can help people protect themselves from cancer or spot signs of serious illness before it spreads. Main Street Radiology in Bayside and Flushing, NY, want you to receive a cancer screening if you think you may be susceptible to lung disease. Learn more about getting the test and who is eligible in their frequently asked questions guide. 

Answers to Common Lung Screening Questions 

What Is a Lung Screening? 

A lung screening is an accurate, three-dimensional CT scan or PET scan of your pulmonary system. These evaluations check for signs of nodules and cancer. They are administered by radiologists to reduce the number of negative biopsies and thoracotomies while minimizing any long-term delay in lung cancer diagnosis. 

How Are Lung Screenings Performed? 

Bayside-Lung-ScreeningYour physician may order a CT scan or PET scan, both of which are painless and take about 30 minutes. If you need a CT scan, you will lie on a motorized table that will slide you into a tunnel containing an X-ray tube to take images of your lungs.

Before a PET scan, you will be given a dye with radioactive tracers, which allows the radiologist to see how your lungs are working. You will lie on a table attached to a machine and travel into it for X-rays. You may have to hold your breath at certain points of both scans to get the best pictures for your doctor. 

Who Should Get a Lung Screening? 

You should get a screening if you are over 55 and do not currently have lung cancer. Anyone with a history of smoking tobacco would benefit from the exam as well. The test is for people who are current smokers or those who have smoked within the last 15 years. 

How Do I Get a Lung Screening? 

You may receive an order from your primary care doctor or pulmonary specialist. Some people who are at risk also choose to make the appointment directly with a radiology office. If you are unsure whether your Medicare or health insurance covers the test, talk to your provider or doctor’s office. 

Cancer screenings save lives. Pulmonary evaluations are available for smokers to prevent disease and provide peace of mind. To make an appointment for a lung screening, call Main Street Radiology in Bayside or Flushing, NY, at (718) 428-1500. For additional information about how these tests are performed, visit their website

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