CT scan

Hi Barbara C,

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community.  My name is Barbara and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists.

Here at the Macmillan Support Line we do not have access to NHS records, so it is difficult to understand your circumstances.

A CT scan is an important tool for diagnosing lung cancer.  It can provide detailed images of the lungs, allowing doctors to identify suspicious nodules, masses or other abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cancer.  While CT scans are highly sensitive in detecting abnormalities, they are not always specific for diagnosing cancer. Further tests such as a biopsy may be needed to confirm a diagnosis of lung cancer.  Additionally, CT scans are also valuable for staging the cancer, which helps determine the extent of its spread and guides treatment decisions.

If you are undergoing tests, it is important that you understand what the healthcare team are looking for and how the test can help either rule out or diagnose a condition or illness. 

You may find it helpful to give our support line a call. Our Macmillan Information Nurse Specialists are here to offer support and help with your questions on 0800 808 00 00 Monday to Friday. You can also e mail us back and we aim to reply within two working days.

Best wishes

Barbara G, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref: BG/JD