Xray / ct scan anyone with some advice please

[MRC71]

Hi, I dont know if I'm at the right place, but I'd surely need some advice, I quit smoking feb 14, 2021 49 yr old female.

Had ct scan for headaches and dizziness, everything was fine

Had mri for neck and mid back due to pain, had a few issues but nothing to worry about.

Had an xray done for.my chest/lungs images were good

BUT

My doctor just spoke to the radiologist about the xray and she told him I'm an x smoker, apparently that changes everything and now I need to have a ct scan. Got my papers today and have to try to make an appointment asap.

Has anyone gone through this because I'm going out of my mind right now, please anyone with some advice thank yoy

[ElsaC]

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Is it possible that your doctor is just being thorough and requesting the best diagnostic tests? If they haven't seen anything worrying so far (they would have told you, I think), maybe they're just being careful. I have had COPD and asthma for years - these tests are fairly standard.

[R2B_John Moderator]

It's standard for two reasons. One is to do a cancer screening and another is to look for COPD for which CT scans are far more accurate.

[Feelingblessed2013]

It is most likely an extra precaution. CT scans can detect early stage lung cancers and emphysema. But you are correct, being an ex smoker changes things. Smoking puts you at a higher risk for lung issues. I know the idea is scary, but it's a good thing to do. They will use this first scan as a comparison to your future scans, which they will probably want you to get once a year.

[Jocopd]

Doctor should be prescribing a "low dose cat scan" which is allowed by and recommended by all insurance and is free for anyone who smoked for a certain amount of time. In the states at least, dunno about insurance in other countrys.

It is non invasive, you take off your bra if your a female and can keep your shirt on. Lay on the bed thing and hold your breath for about 2 minutes while it scans. 2 weeks or so later they give you the results.

It can find much more detail than what your chest x ray does for copd, lung nodes etc.

It is not used to solo diagnose COPD since that requires additional tests like PFT, 6 minute walk test and a couple others

here is what one pulmonary resource says:

What Are The Main Differences Between A Chest X-Ray And A Chest CT Scan?

Chest CT scan allows for a more detailed view compared to a chest X-ray. For example, a chest X-ray may identify an abnormality, but a chest CT scan should be able to show the exact location and examine the nature of a formation.

Chest X-ray provides a 2D image, while a chest CT scan is able to produce a 3D view of your organs.

An X-ray is built to examine dense tissues, while a CT scan is better able to capture bones, soft tissues and blood vessels all at the same time.

X-ray equipment is much smaller and less complex than a CT scan since a CT scanner needs to rotate around the patient being scanned.

Chest X-ray is a good low-cost, first-look exam. In order to move forward with your diagnosis and treatment, you might have to do a chest CT scan to have a better picture.