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A 68-year-old man presents for a wellness visit. He is a former smoker, having quit 3 years ago. He has a 35 pack-year history of smoking. What screening needs to be performed with regard to lung cancer?

a) Chest X-ray
b) Low dose chest CT scan
c) No screening is indicated
d) Pulmonary function tests

User Sanford
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1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The screening that needs to be performed for lung cancer is a low dose chest CT scan.

Step-by-step explanation:

The screening that needs to be performed with regard to lung cancer in this case is option b) Low dose chest CT scan.

Based on the information given, the patient is a former smoker with a significant smoking history, which puts him at a higher risk for developing lung cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening with low dose chest CT scans for individuals who are at high risk for lung cancer, such as those with a history of heavy smoking.

Pulmonary function tests are not typically used for lung cancer screening. Chest X-rays have limited sensitivity for detecting lung cancer and are not recommended as a screening tool. Therefore, the most appropriate screening option for this patient is a low dose chest CT scan.

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