Lung Nodule Evaluation Specialist

What is a lung nodule evaluation?

A lung nodule evaluation is an outpatient procedure that assesses an abnormal growth in your lung tissue. Lung nodules come in various shapes and sizes. Some are cancerous, but most aren’t. 

If you undergo a lung X-ray or CT scan, and the results show a spot, lesion, or shadow on one or both of your lungs, your Fivestar Pulmonary Associates physician might recommend an evaluation.

What causes lung nodules?

Most lung nodules occur due to infections and illnesses. For example, if you catch pneumonia, a small clump of cells (granula) might form in your lung tissue. Over time, granulas harden and calcify, causing a noncancerous lump.

Other factors that increase the risk of lung nodules include:

• Exposure to pollution and environmental toxins
• Autoimmune diseases
• Fungal infections
• Respiratory system infections

You might also experience lung nodules as a result of lung tissue scarring.

Who should schedule a lung nodule evaluation?

Schedule a lung nodule evaluation at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Found to have a lung nodule
• Chest pain
• Chronic cough
• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Smoking history

You should also schedule a lung nodule evaluation if you experience recurring respiratory infections, like bronchitis or pneumonia.

What are the types of lung nodule evaluations?

Fivestar Pulmonary Associates offers several types of lung nodule evaluations, including:

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is an outpatient procedure that occurs under general anesthesia. After you fall asleep, your Fivestar Pulmonary Associates physician carefully inserts a thin tube with a lighted camera called a bronchoscope through your mouth and into your lung. 

Special tools at the end of the bronchoscope allow your physician to collect a small sample of tissue from the nodule. Afterward, they send your sample to a lab for analysis.

CT scan-guided biopsy

If the nodule is on the outside of your lung, Fivestar Pulmonary Associates performs CT scan-guided biopsy. 

During this type of nodule evaluation, your physician uses computed tomography imaging to guide a thin needle to the growth on your lung. Then, they carefully collect a small sample of tissue and send it to a lab for analysis.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

If your physician suspects lung cancer, they might recommend a PET scan. A PET scan is a special type of diagnostic imaging that uses a radioactive chemical to detect diseased cells in your tissues.

To request a lung nodules evaluation at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates, call the office or book online today.