A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body. A CT scan produces images that can be recreated in different angles to help detect conditions which would otherwise not show on a conventional x-ray. A CT scan can be used to study the head, chest, pelvis, or an arm or leg, and to take pictures of body organs, such as the liver, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, lungs, and heart.

Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening
Primary Care Associates of Appleton offers low-dose CT lung cancer screening for patients with a high risk of developing lung cancer¹.  Screening of patients who have a significant history of smoking allows for early detection, which increases the likelihood of survival.​  This low-dose computed tomography chest scan produces high-resolution images that aid in the detection of lung nodules that could be cancerous, using significantly less ionizing radiation than a conventional chest CT scan. Our CT scanner completes this test quickly, and is then followed up by the experienced radiologists of Radiology Partners who interpret the scans and provide follow-up recommendations to your doctor based on the exam results. If you are a long-term smoker, ask your Primary Care Associates doctor about CT lung cancer screening.

¹ As of February 2022, the USPSTF (United States Preventive Services Task Force) recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography in adults aged 50 to 80 years* who have a 20 pack-year² smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. *(Medicare CMS has only adopted the age range of 50-77 years, and thus, these are the guidelines PCA will follow.) Screening should be discontinued once a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or the ability or willingness to have curative lung surgery.

² This grid helps to produce a numerical value of lifetime tobacco exposure called "pack-years". A pack-year is defined as twenty cigarettes smoked everyday for one year. People who smoke often vary their smoking habits over the years which can make it difficult to create a pack score. This smoking pack year grid simplifies the task; the numbers in green indicate the population of those that would be eligible for low-dose CT lung cancer screening. A free online pack-year calculator can also be found here.

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All radiologic exams are read by a licensed Radiologist on-site. The CT department of Primary Care Associates of Appleton is accredited by the American College of Radiology.