Lung Disease Detection
Lung Disease Detection
You've been told you have a spot on your lung. Or a lung nodule. Or a lung mass. You have many questions but first you need a lung biopsy.
What is a lung biopsy?
Physicians need to take a tissue sample or biopsy in order to make an accurate diagnosis. It may sound scary but finding spots on your lung when they are small may have advantages. There is research that shows most small lung spots turn out not to be cancer and could be an infection or scar tissue from a previous infection.[1]
How does the doctor get the lung biopsy?
Traditionally doctors used a procedure called bronchoscopy where a thick but flexible tube called a bronchoscope is used to examine the inside of the air passages and take a small tissue sample for analysis. Standard bronchoscopies only allow doctors to reach spots that are close to the main airways.
Today, Bayfront Health offers a navigation system with GPS-like technology that allows physicians to navigate and access difficult-to-reach areas of the lung from the inside. This system can aid in early diagnosis and help your physician plan your treatment.
How does this procedure differ from a traditional bronchoscopy?
Traditional bronchoscopy typically allows access only to the center regions of the lung. With this new navigation system and its specialized GPS technology, our physicians can navigate to the outer areas of the lung during the procedure.
Is this a new procedure? Is it safe?
More than 50,000 people have had this procedure at one of the leading medical centers worldwide that use this navigation system. The system may enhance the patient experience with lower procedural complications than conventional diagnostic procedures.[2]
Where can I find more information?
Ask your doctor or visit one of these sites:
National Lung Association: www.LungUSA.org
American College of Chest Physicians: www.CHESTnet.org
Find a Physician
Currently, the following providers offer this procedural approach:
Watch a Video
[1] Patient Education Guide, "What if I Have a Spot on My Lung? Do I Have Cancer?" American College of Chest Physicians.
[2] Eberhardt R, et al. Electromagnetic Navigation Diagnostic Bronchoscopy in Peripheral Lung Lesions. CHEST. 2007; 131:1800-1805.
