Having found the unexpected, we should look again: in favor of lung cancer screening

Lung cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and death in the United States. A 65-year-old female with a 30 pack-year smoking history who requested screening for lung cancer was initially turned down in the absence of screening guidelines. Computed tomography ordered a month later after review of current evidence revealed a 3.9-cm right lower lobe speculated mass proven to be adenocarcinoma on biopsy. Reflecting on this case, we concur with emerging national guidelines that patients who meet the selection criteria for the National Lung Screening Trial should be screened with annual Low Dose Computed Tomography.