The work of University physicians has helped bolster the fight against one of the deadliest diseases on the planet: lung cancer.
A lung screening technique, introduced by a trio of University doctors - Thomas Daniel, Jonathan Truwit and Spencer Gay - promotes the early detection of lung cancer.
Their method is not only cheaper than past methods but also safer for the patient. The $300, 15-minute screening uses low-level radiation CAT scans to detect abnormal spots on the lungs.
The type of scan used in the procedure is painless, non-invasive and gives off about 20 percent of the radiation of a normal CAT scan.
Through the procedure, doctors can detect abnormal spots or masses on the lung. However, Truwit said abnormal spots are not necessarily indications of cancer.
He said scans showing large abnormalities would be referred to another physician for further review.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in both men and women, accounting for approximately 28 percent of all cancer deaths. As a form of lung disease, America's number three killer, screening is something Daniel feels is of major importance.
"The facts are, if you took 100 people who had breast cancer and gave them the most ideal hospital care and treatment, about 85 would be alive after a year. But if they had lung cancer, only 15 would be alive after one year," said Daniel, director for the University's Lungs for Life and one of the program's organizers.
Truwit, a pulmonary and critical care specialist, said the CAT scan takes cross section images of the human lung so that lungs are scanned from all angles. Jane Guarini, University nurse and coordinator for the program, said this method is more adequate than previous methods such as straight-on chest X-rays because straight-on pictures do not provide as many views of the lung as the CAT scan. The straight-on chest X-ray produces less radiation than CAT scans, but doctors believe the CAT scan provides a better look into the lung.
"We're looking to say that this is the best with our current technology," Guarini said.
The screenings are part of the University's Cancer Center, with sponsorship from the Thoracic Surgery, Pulmonary Medicine and Radiology departments.
Though this program is not new to the nation, it is new to the University.
"This can be done anywhere. What's unique here is what you do with the test. Much of what we do will be reviewed with an independent report of each patient, which requires lots of wisdom and judgment calls. So the smartness is in the follow up."
But the screening is not as clear cut as it seems, Daniel said.
"It's not something you simply put a quarter in and get an answer to," he said.
Daniel believes the benefits of the screening far outweigh any of the radiation risks associated.
"It's a devastating problem. And the worst thing is, we don't pick it up until it's in its far and advanced stages," said Daniel.
Read More
Professors speak about leading productive dialogue on Israel-Hamas war
By Lexie Stadler | 8 hours agoThe event was hosted by the University’s Task Force on Religious Diversity and Belonging, which is designed to ensure that the University is welcoming to community members from all religions and cultures.
Honor Committee considers formal ban of AI detectors as evidence in trials
By Lexie Stadler | YesterdayThe Committee also addressed balancing student perspectives with those of Committee representatives during panel discussions.
Pro-Palestinian protesters form encampment near University Chapel
By CD News Staff | YesterdayThe encampment overlapped with a separate “May Day” protest on the Lawn, which was hosted by student activist group U.Va. Dissenters and the U.Va. Apartheid Divest Coalition.
