COPD: Should CT scans be done along with x-rays?

A Computerized Tomography Scan or CAT scan uses xrays. A skilled radiologist reads the results. New machines and well trained staff, should take only a few seconds to performance CT.
You should google CT scan. And ask your pulmonologist about a follow up and they can compare your 14 year old CT to a recent CT.

I have had a annual CT for 11 years. They are painless, quick and at Mayo my physicians and I review the results that can be seen on a computer.
Early detection of lung disease along with “watch & wait” my new lung nodule helps me sleep at night.
I might add my local GP refused to order a Chest X ray and knew nothing about a CT life saving benefits. CT scan helped saved my life from the silent killer and late stage lung cancer.
Abe your own advocate and if necessary get a second or third opinion.

Hello- It was a whole different world of science 14 years ago. First, why did you have a CT? What were the results?

You are absolutely correct. I was diagnosed with a 3cm tumor in my left lung
Adenocarcinoma.
Best

You haven't been having yearly CT scans? I don't know enough about your history but from this little bit of information I suggest you get a whole other medical team, including a new oncologist or surgeon to update all your stats. Did you have a lobectomy? radiation? chemo?

Irenec- I hope that I didn't scare you away. I am concerned that you haven't been followed by today's protocols for lung cancer. Are you feeling ok? Are you having any breathing problems? May I help you in anyway?

Our local hospital, St.Vincent's, advocates for CT scans for any former smokers, period.

@annhd- I think that it is standard procedure for all smokers/ past and present along with other illnesses.

I just wanted to follow through on what@annhd1420 and @merpreb said since this one is close to my heart- and lungs! For the last few years there has been a recommendation for smokers and those who quit in the last 15 years who are over 55 and are healthy enough to do a low dose CT scan. I attached the link here at the bottom. The first I'd ever heard of someone finding out they had lung cancer and then returning to work after "having it removed" was a gal a few years older than me who met this requirement right when the recommendation started (late 2013, I think) and whose doctor was right on it. When I turned 55 in 2015 my doc and I were both aware of it and so I went and the CT showed 2 little things to follow. One went away but by March of this year the other got large enough to biopsy. So, I can't say I was "ready for" the diagnosis, but I was grateful that finding it right when it was small is how I got on the "survivors" side of it at this point. So, I've been advocating to even total strangers in passing chats to do this if you meet the requirement- my 68 year old brother-in-law had no clue with his until he coughed up blood and was then diagnosed with stage 4, which is far too late to operate. This option really changes the path on that old route.
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/screening.htm

@bluelagoon I have been saved 4 times because of it!

I just have cts since being diagnosed with multifocal ,adenocarcinoma in 2011. Depending on if a nodule is changing i get one every three or 6 months and h ave a pet scan every now and then....hope h ey arrange a. Ct scan for you. B