Early detection, diagnosis and management as per Scottish Cancer Referral Guidance. The guidance outlines when to request chest X-ray.
In Tayside, where a lesion suggestive of possible cancer is seen on a GP requested chest X-Ray, radiology will request directly an urgent CT chest staging with contrast, and notify respiratory medicine. Respiratory medicine will then track the CT and appoint the patient to an urgent outpatient clinic shortly afterwards. This process is outlined the NHS Tayside procedure when GP requested chest X-ray shows suspected lung cancer document
Important
Very occasionally for outsourced reports - this process does not happen automatically. The default is that ALL actions carried out by radiology will always be specifically and clearly mentioned in the report. If it does not state that it has been done then it has not been done.
GPs are asked to contact the patient and to send an urgent suspected cancer referral to respiratory medicine where the patient consents to further investigation and management. In event that the patient does not wish further investigation, please contact radiology so the CT appointment can be cancelled. This adds important context and background medical history to the referral.
It should be noted that this process for direct booking of CT only applies to GP requested Chest X-rays.