Lung Cancer: Catch It Early Before It Spreads
5/24/2023
BENTONVILLE, AR. (May 24, 2023) – Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., but if caught early, the chances of survival increase which is why early detection is significant to outcomes. Dr. Jason Bailey, pulmonologist at Northwest Pulmonology, offers minimally-invasive bronchoscopy, with the aid of robotic technology, allowing him to see and access hard-to-reach pathways of the lung for diagnosis and treatment.
About the surgery
The procedure, also known as shape-sensing navigation bronchoscopy, uses fiber optics with 3D visualization to see inside the lungs and guide the catheter and automatically gives Dr. Bailey the path to reach nodules. This robotic technology is also beneficial for patients with bilateral nodules.
“With more than 1,500 miles of airways in the lung, it can be a matter of millimeters with nodules and where they’re located,” Dr. Bailey said. “Early stage lung cancers (nodules) are small – sometimes less than 2 centimeters – and are difficult to reach. By the time a nodule is more than 2 centimeters, the patient has probably progressed in cancer development.”
Traditional bronchoscopy surgery can take up to 180 days to get results. With the robotic-assisted procedure, results are back within two weeks. This is crucial when it comes to treating cancer because the longer time passes there is a risk the cancer can grow.
“Because the lung pathways are so narrow and complex, it’s important to have the right tools to reach these small nodules hidden deep in these pathways,” he said. “Our robotic surgical equipment gives us the optimal angles to target their best view of the nodule. And, because the catheter can be moved 180 degrees in all directions, it allows us better access for biopsies.”
Catching lung cancer early
“Lung cancer has a 23% average five-year survival rate,” Dr. Bailey continued. “If we can get the lung nodules when they’re small and mostly in the outer periphery, we can catch it early before it spreads.”
One way to do that is to get screened if you’re at risk for developing lung cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scan for those at risk. According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, people who meet the following criteria may be screened:
- You are age 50-77
- You are asymptomatic – do not have signs or symptoms of lung cancer
- You are a current smoker or have quit smoking within the last 15 years
- You have a tobacco smoking history of at least 20 “pack years” (an average of one pack – 20 cigarettes – a day, per day for 20 years)
- You have a doctor’s order for a low-dose CT scan
If you think you are eligible, speak with your primary care provider today. If you are looking for a provider, visit NW-Physicians.com to find one near you. Same-day appointments are often available.
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