Lung Cancer

Advanced technology to diagnose and treat lung cancer

Whether you’re concerned about your risk of lung cancer or have been diagnosed, turn to Bryan for your most trusted and compassionate care; from screenings to diagnosis and treatment, our team is here for you.

Bryan Lung Cancer Care - Advanced treatment options and support; a team dedicated to you

A team of lung cancer specialists reviews your test results to help determine the best treatment approach for you. Our collaborative team includes board-certified:

Radiologists
Pathologists
Cardiothoracic surgeons
Pulmonologists
Oncologists
Radiation oncologists

In addition to a team of physician specialists, you will also have specially trained oncology nurses, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants and oncology nurse navigators to guide you through all aspects of your diagnosis and cancer treatment journey.

Advanced Diagnostic Technology

When something worrisome shows up on a chest x-ray, doctors need to know if the growth (tumor) is cancerous. A biopsy is done to accomplish this.

Patients at Bryan Medical Center benefit from technology that provides more accurate, minimally invasive biopsies. The Ion robotic bronchoscopy system uses an ultrathin tube to reach the smallest and farthest nodules, or growths, in the lung. It is connected to software that uses CT imaging to create a 3D simulation of the lung for the most accuracy. A pathologist immediately examines the biopsy tissue samples to diagnose any cancer. If cancer is identified, during the same procedure the physician can complete an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) to look at surrounding lymph nodes and determine the stage, or if the cancer has spread.

Being able to diagnose and stage lung cancer in one procedure helps patients get lung cancer treatment sooner.

Causes of Lung Cancer

While smoking is the leading cause of cancer, each year 20,000-30,000 people who have never smoked are diagnosed with cancer. That’s why it’s important to identify and assess your risk for lung cancer early and often.

Smoking

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.

Quitting the use of tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your body. Call the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or Spanish: 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569)

Radon

Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause among people who have never smoked.

DHHS Radon Resources

Secondhand Smoke

Inhaling secondhand smoke, and taking in nicotine and toxic chemicals can cause cancer. Your best protection is to avoid secondhand smoke.

Asbestos

People who have come into contact with asbestos can develop a specific type of lung cancer called mesothelioma. If you’re worried about your potential asbestos exposure, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Family History

If your parents or sibling have had lung cancer, you’re at a greater risk. An increase in risk comes from sharing behaviors like smoking and living together in a house that contains radon.

Reduce Risk Factors

To reduce your risk for lung cancer, control your risk factors.

Screening

Lung Cancer CT Screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. If found early, there are more treatment options available. National Cancer Institute research found that an annual CT screening can reduce the number of deaths from lung cancer by 20 percent.

You may qualify for a low-dose CT scan if you meet all of the following:

Are 50 years of age or older
Have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history (packs per day multiplied by years, 1 pack a day for 20 years or 2 packs a day for 10 years)
Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

Screenings for lung cancer are covered by Medicare and other insurance companies. If the screening is not covered by your insurance, it can be provided at Bryan Medical Center for $250 payable at time of service.

If you qualify for this screening, talk to your doctor about ordering this test.

Learn more about lung cancer screening

Diagnosis

If you have a confirmed lung cancer diagnosis, your doctor will discuss treatment with you. Your options depend mainly on the location of the mass or tumor in your lung and the extent, or stage, of the cancer.

Your treatment team determines the stage of your cancer by using a combination of several procedures:

Computed tomography (CT) scan
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Bronchoscopy
Procedure in which a pulmonologist examines the airway to look for tumors and removes a small amount of tissue to be tested for cancer
Image-guided needle biopsy
A specially trained radiologist will remove lung tissue to test for cancer
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
A newer type of bronchoscopy that uses sound waves from an ultrasound probe to create images of nearby areas in the lungs and mediastinum and take a sample of tissue
Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy
Using your CT-scan, the Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy creates a roadmap of your lungs. The technology then uses that roadmap to guide your doctor to the area affected by cancer. Then your doctor can they can place tools for biopsy, stage, and place markers for treatment

Treatment and Therapies

Your doctor will give you as much information as possible to help you understand which treatment method or combination of methods are the best option for you. Your doctor and nurses will help you know what to expect. At Bryan, specially trained nurse navigators serve as your guide, advocate, educator, resource and liaison through all aspects of your cancer journey and especially as you make decisions about the best care and treatment for you.