Question

Difficulty: MediumPreventive Care and Screening

An independent 68-year-old woman visits the clinic to establish care and discuss her health maintenance. Her past medical history includes well-controlled essential hypertension and primary hypothyroidism. She consumed one pack of cigarettes daily for 25 years but successfully abstained from tobacco starting 12 years ago. Family history is notable for her mother passing away from ovarian cancer at age 72. Review of her medical records reveals a normal colonoscopy at age 64, a normal bilateral mammogram 11 months ago, and negative cervical cytology with negative high-risk HPV testing at age 63. She has documented consecutive negative cervical cancer screenings over the preceding two decades. A bone mineral density evaluation performed at age 65 demonstrated a T-score of -0.4 at the lumbar spine. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in this patient's preventive care?

  1. Non-contrast chest computed tomographyAnswer
  2. B
    Abdominal aortic ultrasonography
  3. C
    Cervical cytology and high-risk viral testing
  4. D
    Stool testing for occult blood
  5. E
    Serum CA-125 measurement and pelvic ultrasonography

Answer

The most appropriate next step is non-contrast chest computed tomography to screen for lung cancer.
The correct answer is non-contrast chest computed tomography. The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a ≥\geq 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. This 68-year-old patient has a 25 pack-year history and quit 12 years ago, explicitly meeting the criteria for annual screening.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the patient's smoking history and age against current preventive guidelines.
The patient is 68 years old with a 25 pack-year smoking history, having quit 12 years ago.
To determine her eligibility and risk profile for lung cancer screening.
2
Apply the USPSTF lung cancer screening criteria.
She meets all criteria: age between 50 and 80, ≥\geq 20 pack-year history, and has quit within the past 15 years.
Patients meeting these specific parameters require annual screening with low-dose CT.
3
Assess the need for other suggested preventive interventions to rule out distractors.
Cervical, colorectal, and breast cancer screenings are up to date or no longer indicated. Ovarian cancer screening and AAA screening are not recommended.
To verify that no other screening modalities take precedence or are concurrently indicated.

Key Concept

Annual lung cancer screening with low-dose chest computed tomography is recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a ≥\geq 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
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