What do the results of a low-dose CT scan mean?
When results to a low-dose CT lung cancer screening scan are ‘suspicious,’ this means there is an abnormal finding. While this could indicate lung cancer, it could also indicate another condition. Patients with suspicious findings will generally be referred for additional testing. This may result in a diagnosis of lung cancer. When results to a low-dose CT lung cancer screening scan are ‘negative,’ this means the patient most likely does not have lung cancer. However, the exam is not perfect and false-negative results do occur. Patients who receive low-dose CT lung cancer screening should speak with their physicians about how often to return for subsequent exams.