Thoracic (chest) imaging

Led by fellowship-trained chest imaging specialists, our Thoracic Imaging Team assess and diagnose diseases and disorders of the lungs, chest, airways and arteries – in essence, everything from the neck to the start of the abdomen.

More routine chest CT scans for evaluation of known or suspected lung disease, including cancer, also benefit from the expertise of these lung imaging specialists, and as a patient, you can request that our experienced and nationally recognized imaging experts review CTs performed elsewhere for an expert second opinion.

In addition to reviewing the impact of chest trauma along with medical issues of the heart and lung, we have developed a specialized program for the screening of lung cancer.

Lung Screening Program

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death – more people die of lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined. Unfortunately most lung cancers are detected at a later stage, when treatment options are limited.  However today, people at risk for developing lung cancer can obtain a low-dose CT lung scan.  Studies show that 80 percent of lung cancers identified through a low-dose CT lung scan were diagnosed at the earliest stages, when treatment options are greatest and curability is highest. If you are a long-term, heavy current or former smoker between ages 55 to 77, you should consider a lung scan. Early detection of lung cancer saves lives!

Our lung screening program is safe and the actual exam takes only seven seconds, using a CT scan with low-dose radiation. Our sophisticated CT scanners are optimized to provide the lowest dose of radiation possible. In our Lung Screening Clinic, patients receive immediate results that are read and interpreted by onsite board-certified and fellowship-trained thoracic radiologists. Low-dose CT scans for lung cancer are covered without cost for eligible Medicare beneficiaries and most eligible individuals with private insurance. For those who don’t meet the screening guidelines, flexible self-pay options are available.

VCU Health’s lung screening program was the first to be recognized as an American College of Radiology-designated Lung Cancer Screening Center and the Lung Cancer Alliance has designated our program as a national “Center of Excellence.”

For more about lung cancer screening at VCU Health, visit the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Lung Screening Clinic website. You can also download our brochure for more information about lung cancer screening

We offer lung cancer screening at the VCU Medical Center Main Hospital and our clinic location at Stony Point 9000, as well as at several of our outpatient locations including Gateway Building, Adult Outpatient Pavilion, Short Pump Pavilion, Emergency Center at New Kent, and VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital. Call 804-827-LUNG (5864) or (804) 828-3768 to schedule an appointment.