Pennygate Resident Knowledgebase

targeted-lung-health-check

2 min read

Targeted Lung Health Check

🫁 Overview

Screening programme for early detection of lung cancer in high-risk asymptomatic patients.

💡 Direct Care

Participants are invited regardless of their National Data Opt-out status as this is classified as direct care.

👤 Eligibility & Exclusions

Inclusion Criteria

  • Aged 55–74
  • Current or ever-smokers (>100 cigarettes lifetime)

🚫 Exclusion Criteria

Exclude patients with:

  • Diagnosis of lung cancer within 5 years
  • Metastatic cancer
  • Palliative GSF registration
  • Lymphoma or mesothelioma

CT Scan Suitability

Exclude from CT scanning if:

  • Unable to lie flat
  • Unable to transfer without support
  • Weight >200kg (31.5 stones)
  • Lack of capacity
  • Adequate thoracic imaging in the previous 12 months

🚀 Operational Details

Booking Centre: 0161 529 0900

Mobile clinics are typically located in supermarket car parks or football stadia. The rollout schedule includes:

  • Hindley Health Centre
  • Ince Surgeries & Clare House
  • Alexander House & Platt House
  • Pennygate Medical Centre

🦠 Cancer Pathways

⚠️ Suspected Lung Cancer

Patients with suspected lung cancer identified by TLHC are upgraded to the lung cancer pathway by a consultant.

GPs do not need to make an urgent cancer referral.

Pulmonary Nodules

Participants requiring interval or surveillance scanning for pulmonary nodules will be managed by the GM TLHC service in the community using mobile scanners, not local acute trust CT capacity.

💓 Coronary Artery Calcification

This is a common incidental finding on TLHC scans. Management has been agreed by local consultants (Dr McConnell, Dr Arya, Dr Kumar, Dr Sundar).

🚫 Do Not Code or Refer

  • Do not code as Ischaemic Heart Disease or angina
  • Do not make an onward referral based solely on this finding

Action Plan

If calcification is found, perform a Q risk calculation and vascular risk assessment (BP, lipids, HbA1c, smoking status) if not already performed.

🩺 Other Incidental Findings

Specific referral pathways are required for non-pulmonary findings detected during the check.

FindingAction / Referral Destination
Unilateral pleural effusion (suspicious)Refer to Pleural Services at Wythenshawe Hospital, North Manchester, or Salford
Thoracic aneurysmsRefer to Cardiac Surgery at Wythenshawe Hospital
Abdominal aneurysmsRefer to Vascular Surgeons at MRI (Wigan patients attend Preston)

Graph View