Whilst this does not necessarily mean that you have lung cancer, the symptoms and history that you have reported to your GP are suspicious enough to warrant “fast tracking”. An urgent chest X-ray can be performed at any United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) site. Patients are encouraged to attend either Lincoln County Hospital, Pilgrim Hospital, Boston or Grantham and District Hospital.
You are encouraged to have your chest X-ray as soon as possible
Once your chest X-ray has been reported, which usually occurs at the time of your attendance, you will be informed of the next steps. There are several different possibilities depending on your age and smoking history.
- If you are over 80 years old, you will have a CT scan as well as the chest x-ray.
- If you are younger than 80 you may have a CT scan straight after (or as soon as possible after) the chest x-ray.
A CT scan is a test that takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It’s usually used to diagnose conditions or check how well treatment is working.
You may receive a telephone call from the Cancer Nurse Specialists, who will ask you a series of questions, which will help to decide if you need a CT scan, or a telephone call from radiology. Please be aware these telephone calls will be from a “private/unknown” number. Please answer the call.
If you are offered a CT scan, this does not necessarily mean that you have lung cancer. It may mean that there is something seen on your chest x-ray that we need to assess further, or that your symptoms and smoking history mean that it would be a good idea to have a more detailed look at your lungs.
You may also receive a call after your CT to book further tests and/or clinic appointment.
You will be contacted usually within seven days of your CT scan. This may be in the form of a letter, further tests or a clinic appointment. A copy of the report will also be sent to your GP. If you or your relative has communication needs, please inform the booking team when we contact you to arrange your appointment.
If you did not require a CT scan, you will be discharged back to your GP and a letter will follow.
If you have any queries, please call (main switchboard):
Lincoln County Hospital 01522 512512
Pilgrim Hospital, Boston 01205 364801
Grantham and District Hospital 01476 565232
Macmillan Information Centres 01522 573799