A Fast and Pain-Free Way to Screen for Lung Cancer

Virginia Mason now offers a new lung cancer screening program for high-risk patients. The screening uses a low dose computed tomography (CT) scan to identify lung abnormalities that may lead to cancer. A national lung screening trial showed a 20 percent reduction in lung cancer deaths among those patients receiving these screenings yearly for three years.

Fast Results

Results from the lung cancer screening are usually available within 24 hours. A coordinator will contact you and your referring provider with the results of your screening and advise you if further evaluation or ongoing screening is recommended.

Lung Cancer Screening Center of Excellence

Support from the Team

Approximately 95 percent of lung nodules turn out to be non-cancerous. When an abnormality is found, it may be discussed at a multi-disciplinary tumor board. Pulmonologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and thoracic surgeons are all involved to determine the best plan of care. Depending on your individual situation, next steps could include observation, biopsy or surgery.

Benefits of Lung Cancer Screening at Virginia Mason

Studies have shown that for many procedures higher volumes correlate with better outcomes. Since Providers at Virginia Mason care for numerous patients with lung cancer and other lung conditions, your risk of complications is very low.

If your screening shows that ongoing care is necessary you'll also benefit from your care team collaborating in one setting with a shared medical record, online communication with your care team via MyVirginiaMason and Saturday appointments available in many specialty clinics to make your care more convenient.

Lung Cancer Screening Criteria

Insurance covers the cost of screening for patients who meet all of the following criteria:

  • Age 55-77
  • History of significant smoking (approximately one pack per day for 30 years)

You should discuss with your doctor whether lung cancer screening is appropriate for you.

Make an Appointment

Please call us at (206) 287-6045 for more information or to make an appointment.