Sue’s low-dose CT lung scan found asymptomatic cancer, making successful early treatment possible.
Sue and Don Winters were smokers for more than 30 years. Because of their smoking history, Don’s doctor, Sandeep Kotak, MD, and Sue’s doctor, Nancy Lazarescu, DO, encouraged them to have low-dose CT lung scans to screen for cancer. Don’s scan showed no abnormalities and, for a few years, Sue put the screening off. But finally she agreed to schedule the test.
On January 31, 2019, Sue had a lung scan that showed two small spots (nodules) in her left lung and one in her right lung. Right away, Dr. Lazarescu referred her to pulmonologist Gary Kaplan, MD, for follow up.
“Spots on the lung are common, and while some are cancerous, many are benign,” says Dr. Kaplan. “Cancerous nodules grow quickly, but benign nodules tend to stay the same size.”
Because of the small size of the spots and following standard practice, Dr. Kaplan recommended a six-month follow-up scan to look for changes. In August, the second scan showed that one of the spots had gotten larger. Immedately Dr. Kaplan ordered a PET scan which confirmed and accurately staged the cancer, then recommended surgery. On August 26, 2019, at Lake West Medical Center, the cardiothoracic surgery team removed the upper portion of Sue’s left lung. Pathology showed that the cancer was an invasive adenocarcinoma.
“I was shook up, frustrated with myself for putting off the screening,” says Sue. “But I had to be strong and try to get through this. Thankfully, I had the support of Don and my family, all the doctors were amazing and comforting, and surgery removed all the cancer.”
Lung screening
Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer, taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. However, lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans and appropriate follow-up care significantly reduce lung cancer deaths.
In 2015, Lake West and TriPoint medical centers earned designation as American College of Radiology (ACR) Lung Cancer Screening Centers. The elite distinction recognizes our commitment to safe, effective and accessible diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer. Follow-up patient care includes counseling and smoking cessation programs.
“In 2020, Lake Health completed 890 lung screenings and found 24 cases of lung cancer in asymptomatic patients,” says Melissa Loop, RN, CN-BN, breast health coordinator and lung screening navigator. “There’s no doubt this program is having a significant positive impact in patients’ futures.
“Adults that don’t have symptoms but are at higher risk of developing lung cancer should talk to their doctor about lung cancer screenings using a low-dose CT scan,” she continues. “Yearly lung cancer screenings are recommended for people between ages 50 and 80 who have a history of heavy smoking equal to 20 pack-years or more, have quit smoking within the past 15 years, or are currently smoking.”
Sue and Don continue to have yearly lung scans as preventive screening for cancer. Although Sue’s identified cancer was cured by surgically removing the tumors and surrounding tissue, she continues to visit with medical oncologist Maria Espinosa, MD, for check-ups. A follow-up scan on June 8, 2020 showed no signs of lung cancer.
You should know:
If your doctor has recommended a low-dose CT scan to screen for lung cancer, call Lake Health’s Centralized Scheduling Department at 866-652-5253 to make an appointment.
Meet the providers:
Maria Espinosa, MD
Specialty: hematology, oncology
Gary Kaplan, MD
Specialty: pulmonology
Office: Willoughby, 440-946-0053
Sandeep Kotak, MD
Specialty: internal medicine
Office: Willoughby, 440-953-6294
Nancy Lazarescu, DO
Specialty: internal medicine
Office: Willoughby, 440-953-6294
Melissa Loop, RN, CN-BN
Certified nurse breast navigator
Lung screening navigator
