CT CHEST / THORAX WITHOUT CONTRAST
Also Known As
Lab Test
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About The Test
CT chest without contrast lung cancer screening is a low-dose imaging test that creates detailed pictures of your lungs—without dyes or injections. Cadabams Diagnostics uses advanced 128-slice CT scanners to detect early lung changes long before symptoms appear, giving you and your doctor the power to act early.
2. What is CT Chest Without Contrast Lung Cancer Screening?
Definition
A CT chest without contrast lung cancer screening is a rapid, non-invasive scan that uses X-rays and computer processing to produce cross-sectional images of the chest. The test is done without contrast dye, making it ideal for routine screening.
- Scan time: 5–10 minutes
- Radiation dose: Up to 90 % lower than standard CT scans
- Image quality: High-resolution 3-D views of lung tissue, airways, and blood vessels
3. When and Who Needs to Take a CT Chest Without Contrast Lung Cancer Screening?
Ideal candidates
- Adults aged 50–80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history
- Current smokers or those who quit within the last 15 years
- People exposed to second-hand smoke, asbestos, or radon
- Individuals with family history of lung cancer
- Anyone with persistent cough, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss
When to schedule
- Annual screening if you meet high-risk criteria
- Baseline scan before any respiratory surgery
- Follow-up after abnormal chest X-ray findings
List of Parameters
- Nodule size (measured in millimetres)
- Nodule density (solid, part-solid, or ground-glass)
- Location (upper vs. lower lobes, central vs. peripheral)
- Spiculation (irregular edges suggesting malignancy)
- Calcification patterns (benign vs. malignant)
- Lymph node enlargement
- Pleural effusion or thickening
- Airway wall thickness and bronchiectasis
Why This Test
- Early detection improves 5-year survival to >80 %
- Non-invasive alternative to biopsy for initial assessment
- Quick turnaround—reports within 2 hours at Cadabams
- Cost-effective compared to late-stage cancer treatment
- Peace of mind for high-risk individuals
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- Detects tumours <5 mm—before symptoms arise
- Guides timely treatment—surgery, radiation, or targeted therapy
- Monitors existing nodules for growth or stability
- Reduces lung-cancer mortality by 20–24 % in high-risk groups
- No contrast reactions—safe for kidney disease or iodine allergies
Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Chest / Thorax Without Contrast Scan
- Lung cancer (small-cell and non-small-cell)
- Pulmonary metastases from other cancers
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease
- Pneumonia or tuberculosis
- Pulmonary embolism (when blood clots travel to lungs)
- Bronchiectasis and airway abnormalities
Preparing for test
Day before
- Eat normally; no fasting required
- Remove all metal jewellery and underwired bras
- Inform the centre if you are or might be pregnant
On arrival
- Change into a cotton gown provided by Cadabams
- Complete a brief questionnaire about symptoms and smoking history
- Store valuables in secure lockers
11. Pre-requisites
- Doctor’s referral (not mandatory but recommended)
- Valid ID and previous imaging reports if any
- Fasting not needed—eat light meals
- No contrast allergy screening required
12. Best Time to Take the CT Chest Without Contrast Lung Cancer Screening
- Morning slots (8 am–12 pm) for shorter wait times
- Post-holiday periods to avoid rush
- Anniversary of quit date for former smokers
- After flu season (March–April) to reduce respiratory infection interference
13. Eligibility
| Eligible | Not Eligible |
|---|---|
| Age 50–80, 20+ pack-years | Pregnant women |
| Current or recent ex-smokers | People under 50 with no risk factors |
| History of occupational exposure | Individuals with life expectancy <5 years |
| Unexplained respiratory symptoms | Those weighing >180 kg (scanner limits) |
14. Procedure for Taking a CT Chest Without Contrast Lung Cancer Screening
- Check-in at Cadabams Diagnostics reception—5 min
- Change clothes and remove metal objects—5 min
- Lie on CT table—arms above head, 2–3 positionings—2 min
- Hold breath for 5–10 seconds while table moves—30 sec
- Radiographer review for motion artefacts—2 min
- Dress and collect report—online link sent within 2 hours
15. Caution Before Taking the Test
- Pregnancy test if you suspect pregnancy
- Inform technician about claustrophobia or back pain
- Avoid caffeine 2 hours prior if anxious—it raises heart rate
- Bring a companion if you need help changing clothes
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal scan | No abnormalities detected | Indicates healthy lung status; continue routine annual screening |
| Small pulmonary nodule | Lung nodule <5 mm, well-defined, no spiculation | Likely benign; requires monitoring with periodic follow-up scans |
| Suspicious nodule (>8 mm) | Irregular borders, spiculation, possible lymph node enlargement | Suggestive of malignancy; referral to pulmonologist recommended |
| Ground-glass opacity | Hazy lung area with partial solid density | Could represent inflammation or early tumor; further evaluation needed |
| Lymph node enlargement | Enlarged lymph nodes near lung hilum or mediastinum | Possible cancer spread or infection; clinical correlation essential |
| Pleural abnormalities | Effusion or thickening of pleural lining | May indicate malignancy, infection, or other lung disease |
Risks & Limitations
Minimal risks
- Low radiation exposure—equivalent to 6 months of natural background radiation
- False positives—small nodules may appear; most are benign
- Overdiagnosis risk—some slow-growing cancers may never cause harm
How Cadabams mitigates risk
- Low-dose protocols tailored to body size
- Dual-radiologist review to reduce false positives
- Clear follow-up guidelines provided with every report
5. Types of CT Chest Without Contrast Lung Cancer Screening
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Low-dose CT (LDCT) | Standard screening for asymptomatic individuals |
| Ultra-low-dose CT | Used for younger or smaller patients |
| Expiratory CT | Checks for air trapping in suspected COPD |
| High-resolution CT | Detailed views for interstitial lung disease |
FAQs
How often should I screen?
High-risk individuals should repeat CT chest without contrast lung cancer screening every 12 months.
Is the test painful?
No. It’s completely painless and takes under 10 minutes at Cadabams.
Will I need a biopsy after the scan?
Only if a suspicious nodule >8 mm is found. Most nodules are harmless.
Can I drive after the test?
Yes. There are no sedatives or contrast agents used.
Does insurance cover this screening?
Many insurers now cover low-dose CT for high-risk profiles. Check with Cadabams’ billing desk for instant pre-authorisation.