more than 150,000 Americans died from lung cancer. That’s more than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. But now a simple computed tomography (CT) exam with special software is offering new hope. The LungCare CT software package from Siemens Medical Solutions can provide physicians with additional information that maylead to earlier diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of lung nodules/lesions cancer. After a simple, non-invasive CT scan, doctors use the LungCare software to manipulate 3D images of the lungs. The software is very accurate at identifying suspicious tissue that might otherwise be hidden by other structures, and can identify clinically significant lung nodules in their earliest stages. In fact, the CT image can visualize things as small as two millimeters, about the size of a sesame seed. “Having the ability to blow up and make 3D surface renderings means we can look inside the body for the characteristics,” Dr. Stephen Koch, Imaging for Life. “This new technology provides added information that 10 years ago just wasn’t available.” The LungCare CT software helps doctors read the hundreds of Computer technology is improving the process of diagnosing and monitoring lung cancer. images created by the scan more efficiently. Doctors can use the software to manipulate 3D images of the lungs, and confirm the presence or absence of lung nodules. “We are finding this software enables physicians to view things that might be hidden behind other structures such as blood vessels,” explains Carol Novak, Ph.D., Siemens Medical Systems. “This new software makesit easier to identify and evaluate nodules and lesions in an early stage, which can increase cure and survival rate.” To learn more about LungCare software and other life-saving innovations from Siemens, visit www.siemensmedical.com.
