Early detection is the most powerful tool in the fight against lung cancer. At Premier Lung & Sleep Institute, we offer comprehensive lung cancer screening and expert evaluation of pulmonary nodules. Our advanced diagnostic procedures and patient-centered approach ensure you receive the highest level of care, from screening to diagnosis and beyond.

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What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a disease where malignant cells form in the lung tissue. The two main types are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Smoking is the leading risk factor, but a significant number of lung cancers occur in non-smokers.

Common Signs & Symptoms

While some lung cancers are found through screening before symptoms appear, common signs can include:

  • A persistent cough or a change in a chronic cough.
  • Coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
  • Chest pain or hoarseness.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Recurrent episodes of pneumonia.

Lung Cancer Screening (Low-Dose CT)

Annual low-dose CT (LDCT) screening is a powerful tool for early detection. We help eligible adults (based on age and smoking history) determine their eligibility and coordinate scans. Screening has been proven to find cancers at an earlier stage when treatment is more effective and outcomes are better.

How We Evaluate Nodules & Suspected Cancer

  • Careful follow-up of nodules: Most pulmonary nodules are benign, but we follow evidence-based pathways to monitor them carefully with repeat imaging.
  • Bronchoscopy-based biopsy: When a biopsy is needed, we use advanced techniques like Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) to biopsy lymph nodes and ion bronchoscopy to obtain samples from pulmonary nodules with a high degree of precision.
  • Advanced Procedures:
    • Ion Bronchoscopy: Utilizes robotic-assisted technology to navigate to small, peripheral lung nodules for precise biopsy.
    • EBUS: An airway ultrasound to view and sample lymph nodes, which is crucial for staging lung cancer.

Our Procedures & Services

  • Lung cancer screening (LDCT): We help you determine eligibility and coordinate your annual screening.
  • Ion Bronchoscopy: State-of-the-art technology for precise biopsy of lung nodules.
  • EBUS: A minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing and staging lung cancer.
  • PFTs: We perform pulmonary function tests to ensure you can safely tolerate planned treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is a ‘nodule’ always cancer? A: No, most nodules are not cancerous. A pulmonary nodule is a small spot on the lung, and the majority are benign. We follow strict, evidence-based guidelines to decide when to simply watch a nodule with repeat scans versus when a biopsy is necessary.