Diagnóstico precoz del cáncer de pulmón: Utilidad de la tomografía axial computarizada de baja dosis de radiación

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most frequent types of cancer and the one with the highest mortality. Its prognosis is directly related to the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. We propose that a well-structured diagnostic protocol based on low-dose radiation tomography (LDCT), such as the one developed by I-ELCAP and aimed at a population at risk, is a useful tool in the early diagnosis of this disease, which can improve their survival. Material and methods. Asymptomatic persons >50 years, smokers or ex-smokers of at least 10 pack-years, with no oncological personal history (except basal cell carcinomas of the skin) are included. A baseline and annual TCBD ( 120 kVps and 30 mAs) is performed, which identifies all pulmonary nodules. An algorithm of evaluation according to size criteria and morphological characteristics of the nodules is established following the one proposed by I-ELCAP. In those cases that due to their size, evidence of growth, etc. there is malignancy suspicion, histological study is performed. Before the diagnosis of LC, the appropriate treatment is established. All cases of LC are followed for at least 5 years. Results: A total of 4,951 people (65.4% males) were studied, being their age average of 56.89 ± 5.26 years. The average consumption of tobacco was 37.45 ± 23.41 pack-years, with 54.8% smokers active in the baseline study. In the baseline study 550 subjects were identified as positive. From 3,891 nodules detected, 692 (19.57%) were considered positive (solids 5 mm or non solids 8 mm), of which 38 tumors (36 LC). In the annual study, 224 subjects showed one or more nodules. Of the detected nodules, 288 (7.91%) were considered positive. In 80% of the cases the control was performed with TCBD. In 5,8 and 7,6% of the positive nodules, in basal and annual study respectively, biopsy was indicated. The sensitivity (S), specificity (E), PPV and NPV in the baseline study were 92.31, 89.54, 6.55 and 99.93% respectively (E and PPV discretely inferior when considering ...