Lung nodule monitoring
Lung nodules—small areas of abnormal tissue growth in the lung–are fairly common. In fact, many lung nodules are found as incidental findings during tests performed for other reasons. When a nodule is identified, timely evaluation is important. Our program can help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Our approach to incidental lung nodule findings
Our coordinated care ensures a timely and accurate diagnosis, risk assessment and appropriate follow-up for patients when lung nodules have been identified, even if found at another facility.
Early detection
Detecting a lung nodule early gives you and your care team more time evaluate your options and plan the best course of care.
Risk assessment
Assessing each nodule to determine appropriate management strategies.
Diagnostic evaluation
Thoroughly evaluating lung nodules to determine their nature using state of the art technology and minimizing invasive procedures as much as possible.
Treatment planning
Creating personalized treatment plans designed around each patient's unique needs.
Find a pulmonary specialist
Concerned about the health of your lungs? Our pulmonologists can help detect and treat lung nodules and lung cancer.
How lung nodule surveillance works
Discovering a lung nodule
Sometimes, unexpected things happen. A lung nodule is one of them. These small spots can be found by chance during a routine checkup, like a CT scan for another reason. It might be surprising to hear about, but most lung nodules are non-cancerous.
Nodules can be caused by old infections, scarring, or other benign conditions. However, it’s important to get them checked out. Our expert team will recommend the best way to monitor the nodule and may suggest additional tests to learn more about it.
Understanding next steps
To learn more about the nodule, your provider may suggest:
- Imaging tests - like a PET scan to get a clearer picture of the nodule.
- Regular check-ups - to monitor the nodule over time.
- Biopsy - to determine if the nodule is benign or cancerous. This might involve a bronchoscopy.
- Blood tests - to gather more information about your overall health.
- Treatment options - which might include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination.
Our multi-disciplinary team of experts is here to support you throughout this process.
Benefits for patients
Better outcomes
Early detection, quick specialist appointments, and prompt treatment can improve your chances of successful recovery.
Personalized care
Your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs. We work closely with you to make decisions together.
Dedicated support
The Lung Nodule Program Team is here to walk you through every step, from the first appointment to understanding your care plan, so you feel informed, support and confident at each stage.
lung nodule program in depth
Lung nodule program
The two most common ways patients come to our program are:
- A low dose chest CT via our Lung Cancer Screening Program with a resulting score, called a Lung RADS, ranging from 3 to 4.
- A CT scan and/or other chest imaging identifies an incidental lung nodule, which is communciated to your provider. Your provider will then refer you to a specialist in our program for consultation, diagnosis, further testing and treatment planning.
Regardless of how you enter our program, once a referral is received, the Lung Nodule Program Team will contact you to help schedule your consultation with a pulmonology specialist.
Your test results will be reviewed by a pulmonary specialist. During your consultation the specialist will create a “next steps” plan with you, which may include further testing and procedures to refine your diagnosis and develop a treatment plan individualized to you.
Our dedicated Lung Nodule Program Team of nurse navigators, program coordinators and surgical schedulers, all work together with you to ensure you have the support, education and resources you need.