Screening Exams
Screening imaging focuses on early disease detection for patients who are at increased risk based on age, lifestyle, or family history. At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our radiologists provide advanced screening services—including CT lung cancer screening and coronary calcium scoring—to identify disease at earlier, more treatable stages.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Screening exams are typically performed before symptoms appear. Your provider may recommend imaging based on:
- Age or sex-specific guidelines
- Smoking history
- Family history of cancer or heart disease
- Elevated cardiovascular risk factors
- Occupational exposures
- Genetic predispositions
During your evaluation, your provider will explain why screening is recommended, what the test involves, and how results may guide future care.
Diagnosis
Screening exams use low-dose or specialized techniques to safely evaluate risk. Common studies include:
- Low-dose CT lung cancer screening: For adults with a significant smoking history
- Coronary calcium scoring (Agatston score): Measures plaque buildup in the coronary arteries
- Whole-body or targeted imaging when clinically appropriate
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) ultrasound: For men over 65 with a smoking history
These studies provide a snapshot of early disease, even when patients feel well.
Treatment Guidance & Management
Screening results guide preventive care and risk-reduction strategies, such as:
- Initiating or adjusting statin therapy
- Smoking cessation programs
- Cardiology or pulmonology referral
- Closer surveillance for high-risk nodules or lesions
- Lifestyle modifications tailored to cardiovascular or cancer risk
Your provider will review your imaging results in detail and discuss next steps based on evidence-based guidelines.
Ongoing Management & Monitoring
Most screening programs involve scheduled intervals, such as:
- Annual low-dose CT for eligible smokers
- Repeat calcium scoring in select patients
- Follow-up CT or MRI for identified nodules
- Periodic ultrasound for aneurysm monitoring
Consistent monitoring helps track changes over time and supports early intervention if needed.