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Lung cancer screening helps detect lung cancer early, when it’s more treatable and easier to manage. The Southwest Pulmonary Associates team in Dallas and Plano, Texas, has advanced skills in diagnosing and managing lung conditions. With leading-edge technology, including robotic bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), they provide expert care from screening through diagnosis and treatment planning. Call Southwest Pulmonary Associates or arrange a lung cancer screening online today.
Lung Cancer Screening Q & A
What is lung cancer screening?
Lung cancer screening checks your lungs for signs of cancer before you have any symptoms. Southwest Pulmonary Associates uses a low-dose CT scan, which takes detailed images of your lungs using a small amount of radiation.
You may be a good candidate for lung cancer screening if you’re between 50 and 80 and:
- Currently smoke
- Have quit within the last 15 years
- Have a 20 pack-year smoking history
A 20 pack-year smoking history means smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
The Southwest Pulmonary Associates team can help determine if screening is right for you.
Why is lung cancer screening so important?
Lung cancer doesn’t usually cause symptoms in the early stages. By the time you notice problems like coughing, chest pain, or weight loss, the cancer may already be advanced.
Screening can detect small lung nodules before they grow or spread, which can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment.
What happens during lung cancer screening?
Lung cancer screening is quick and painless; you simply lie on a table that slides into a CT scanner.
The scan only takes a few minutes, and you can return to your normal activities right afterward. There are no needles, dyes, or prep needed.
What if lung cancer screening finds something unusual?
If your lung cancer screening results show something abnormal, don’t panic — not all nodules are cancerous.
The specialists at Southwest Pulmonary Associates may recommend follow-up scans to monitor the area or additional tests to gather more information. They use advanced tools to examine suspicious areas closely and collect tissue samples safely and accurately, including:
Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy (by Intuitive)
The Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy system is an advanced, minimally invasive technology used to examine and biopsy small or hard-to-reach spots in the lungs. Using a thin, flexible robotic catheter, doctors can navigate deep into the airways with great precision.
Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
EBUS uses ultrasound to create detailed images of the lungs and nearby lymph nodes. It helps doctors see and biopsy areas that they can’t reach with regular imaging, making it a valuable nonsurgical tool for diagnosing lung diseases.
If you’re at risk, don’t wait — lung cancer screening could save your life. Reach out to Southwest Pulmonary Associates by phone or request a consultation online today to learn more.