LDCT Results: What They Mean and What to Do Next

When you get LDCT results, low-dose computed tomography scans used to screen for lung cancer, especially in high-risk adults. Also known as low-dose CT screening, it’s one of the few tools proven to catch lung cancer early—when treatment works best. These scans don’t use strong radiation like standard CTs, but they still pick up tiny changes in your lungs that might mean trouble.

Most LDCT results come back normal. But if something shows up—a small spot, a nodule, or thickening in the lung tissue—it doesn’t automatically mean cancer. In fact, over 95% of nodules found on LDCT scans are not cancerous. They can be caused by old infections, scar tissue, or even harmless growths. What matters is size, shape, and how it changes over time. A nodule under 6mm usually gets watched with another scan in 6 to 12 months. Larger ones, especially if they’re spiky or growing, need faster follow-up.

People with a history of heavy smoking, age 50 or older, or those exposed to asbestos or radon are the main group getting these scans. But even if you’re not in that group, abnormal LDCT results can still happen. That’s why knowing what to do next is key. Don’t panic. Don’t ignore it. Talk to your doctor about whether you need a follow-up scan, a biopsy, or even a referral to a lung specialist. Some clinics now use AI tools to help measure nodules more accurately, making results more reliable.

LDCT screening isn’t perfect. It can miss some cancers, and sometimes it finds things that never would’ve caused harm—leading to unnecessary tests or stress. But for the right people, it saves lives. The American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force both recommend annual screening for eligible adults. If your results were unclear or showed a nodule, you’re not alone. Thousands get the same news every year. What separates those who catch cancer early from those who don’t is what they do after the scan.

Below, you’ll find real stories and expert advice on how to interpret your scan, when to push for more testing, and how to avoid being misled by false alarms. You’ll learn what doctors look for in those tiny spots, how to talk to your provider without sounding paranoid, and which follow-up steps actually matter. Whether your results were normal or worrisome, this collection gives you the facts—not fear—to make the next move.