In cases of lung cancer screening findings that require further evaluation or clarification, radiology practices can request a second opinion.
PD Dr. Julian Glandorf and Prof. Dr. Sabine Dettmer from the MHH Department of Radiology are evaluating a CT scan of the lungs. This radiological second opinion helps private practices obtain a specialist’s assessment of abnormal or unclear findings in the context of lung cancer screening. Copyright: Karin Kaiser/MHH
Since April 2026, lung cancer screening for heavy smokers has been a new early detection service covered by statutory health insurance plans. The goal is to detect lung cancer as early as possible and improve treatment outcomes. The Hannover Medical School (MHH) now offers a second radiological opinion for this purpose. Private radiology practices can submit image data from computed tomography (CT) scans to the MHH at . The costs are covered by statutory health insurance plans.
An independent, specialized second opinion is required by law for round lesions that require further monitoring or clarification. It helps to better interpret unclear findings. “Our goal is to work with our colleagues in private practice to provide patients with additional reassurance while also avoiding unnecessary examinations and procedures,” says associate professor Julian Glandorf, section head of pulmonary imaging and senior physician at the MHH’s Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology.
Small abnormalities, major diagnostic challenge
Low-dose CT scans can reveal even the smallest changes in the lungs. These are not necessarily malignant. Some simply require monitoring, while others need further investigation. If findings are suspicious, patients can be referred directly to the MHH’s Department of Pulmonology. The MHH Lung Cancer Center, certified by the German Cancer Society, offers comprehensive diagnostics and treatment. In interdisciplinary tumor board meetings, specialists collaborate to discuss individual diagnostic next steps and necessary therapies. Patients have access to the full spectrum of modern treatment options, including participation in clinical trials.
The goal of early detection is to identify lung cancer at an early stage and cure it through surgery. Since March 2025, the MHH has had a new robotic system at its disposal for this purpose, which makes it possible to perform even complex surgeries with minimal invasiveness using just a single incision.
Cooperation with radiology practices
The MHH has entered into cooperation agreements with radiology practices in the greater Hanover area. The first practices have already submitted cases for a second opinion. “We have been working closely with the MHH for many years. The fact that we can now further expand this collaboration within the framework of lung cancer screening is a welcome development for us. Direct communication with our colleagues at the MHH is particularly important to us. This allows us to easily discuss questions about a finding and combine the expertise from the Clinical Department and the practice,” says Dr. Lotte Thöne, a radiologist at Röntgenpraxis Am Marstall GbR in Hanover.
Who is eligible for the screening?
The program is aimed at individuals with public health insurance between the ages of 50 and 75 who have smoked for at least 25 years and either still smoke or quit less than ten years ago. For more information, visit https://lungencheck-niedersachsen.mhh.de/ and https://www.mhh.de/institut-fuer-diagnostische-und-interventionelle-radiologie/lungen-check
Text: Jana Illmer