If you’ve recently been told that you have a lung nodule, a lung mass, or that there is a “shadow” or “spot” on the lung, you may feel a lot of uncertainty about what that means and what you should do. It can be hard to know what next steps you should take, and you may have a lot of questions, including:
Most lung nodules are not cancerous, especially if you don’t have a history of cancer. There are several reasons for lung nodules to appear in CT scan and x-ray results, most of which are benign. While there is reason to be hopeful, it is still important it is to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
Discussing your lung nodule diagnosis with your primary care provider can be a great source of education and support. Nodules that are not cancerous can be followed closely by your primary care provider, but it is difficult to know which ones are cancer.
An accurate lung nodule diagnosis can be complex, and the experience of the medical staff and the technology available can make a difference. A comprehensive cancer center like Fox Chase Cancer Center has specialized pulmonologists who are particularly experienced in providing rapid and accurate diagnoses of lung nodules.
The medical teams at Fox Chase frequently see patients with lung nodules and are experienced in providing exceptional care using the latest diagnostic and therapeutic options. A multidisciplinary care team is dedicated to take care of each patient.
When you come to Fox Chase, a CT scan is typically taken to determine if the nodule is suspicious. A PET scan and other studies will be done if needed. Your care team will then determine if a biopsy is needed to make an accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is done to collect tissue for a pathologist to accurately determine if the nodule is cancerous. Tiny pieces of tissue are sufficient to determine the tumor type and genetics, and to make a diagnosis.
There are a couple of ways to perform a biopsy:
A pulmonologist will guide a small flexible scope down the airways, and biopsy the tissue from within the lung.
A radiologist will gather tissue by inserting a special needle into the lung.
But, these traditional methods may not be enough to reach the nodule, if the nodule is located in the far branches of the lung. For patients with nodules in the outer edges of the lung, Fox Chase is one of the first hospitals in the nation to use a robotic bronchoscopy platform that allows our doctors to biopsy these hard-to-reach nodules. Physicians visualize a 3-D version of the patient’s own lung anatomy throughout the procedure with better dexterity, vision and control.
The medical teams at Fox Chase frequently see patients with lung nodules and are experienced in providing exceptional care using the latest diagnostic and therapeutic options. A multidisciplinary care team is dedicated to take care of each patient.
When you come to Fox Chase, a CT scan is typically taken to determine if the nodule is suspicious. A PET scan and other studies will be done if needed. Your care team will then determine if a biopsy is needed to make an accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is done to collect tissue for a pathologist to accurately determine if the nodule is cancerous. Tiny pieces of tissue are sufficient to determine the tumor type and genetics, and to make a diagnosis.
There are a couple of ways to perform a biopsy:
A pulmonologist will guide a small flexible scope down the airways, and biopsy the tissue from within the lung.
A radiologist will gather tissue by inserting a special needle into the lung.
But, these traditional methods may not be enough to reach the nodule, if the nodule is located in the far branches of the lung. For patients with nodules in the outer edges of the lung, Fox Chase is one of the first hospitals in the nation to use a robotic bronchoscopy platform that allows our doctors to biopsy these hard-to-reach nodules. Physicians visualize a 3-D version of the patient’s own lung anatomy throughout the procedure with better dexterity, vision and control.
For patients with a history of cancer, lung nodules should be carefully evaluated to see if they are a consequence of the original cancer or a new manifestation because the treatment choices can be very different. When patients have multiple cancers, it is important to know that we are treating the right cancer. At Fox Chase, we differentiate lung cancer and cancer that has spread from other locations, and distinguish which cancers are active and which are not.
The medical teams at Fox Chase frequently see patients with lung nodules and are ready to provide the best care using the latest diagnostic and therapeutic options.
Call 888-369-2427 or click below to request an appointment online. Phone or video appointments may be available for some patients.
