Radiologic Diagnostic Methods in Lung Cancer Screening: Literature Review

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lung cancer risk factors are numerous, including heredity, active and passive smoking, environmental and professional conditions, as well as many other conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and HIV infection. Due to prolonged asymptomatic progression, lung cancer can be diagnosed at advanced stages, which significantly worsens the prognosis for these patients. Screening programs have been established to reduce mortality rates from lung cancer. This involves the use of radiology modalities such as fluorography, radiography and computed tomography. However, despite their widespread use and availability, fluorography and radiography have technical limitations in detecting small-sized neoplasms. Computed tomography is the most informative method for detecting lung cancer and many countries have used low-dose computed tomography as a screening method. Some such programs have proven to be effective. Artificial intelligence algorithms can act as an additional tool to improve screening, and additional research to identify the optimal group of patients at risk may increase the effectiveness of screening programs.