Imaging & Evaluation

When necessary, our physicians may order advanced lung imaging to provide a clear picture of your lung health. These imaging methods allow us to see detailed images of your lung tissue, pleural space, and chest, helping us detect any issues or abnormalities that may be present. The various imaging methods our doctors recommend are vital tools in lung cancer screening and more and enable us to accurately diagnose and understand your condition.

Lung imaging techniques our doctors may order for our patients include:

• Chest X-ray
• CT scans
• PET scans

Bronchoscopy is a routine, safe procedure that utilizes a small camera to view the insides of the airways, allowing our doctors to gain more insight into your lungs' health and the opportunity to obtain biopsies or cultures. There are two types of bronchoscopy provided at our practice: navigational bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound.

This technique uses electromagnetic navigation in conjunction with a CT scan to accurately locate an abnormality within the lungs. This technique is crucial in lung cancer screening and aids our doctors in the biopsy process.

This technique uses a specialized bronchoscope and the assistance of ultrasound to accurately locate lymph nodes within the chest. This procedure allows our doctors the opportunity to biopsy tissue that may be the source of your concerns.

One tool we use to ensure optimal health is a pulmonary function test (PFT). This non-invasive test helps us understand how well your lungs are working by measuring how much air you can inhale and exhale, as well as how efficiently your lungs can transfer oxygen into your bloodstream. Pulmonary function tests provide vital insights that guide your personalized treatment plan, helping us detect lung disease early, monitor your progress, and optimize your care for the best possible outcomes. A pulmonary function test typically consists of the following:

• Spirometry, measuring your airflow and estimating your lung capacity.
• Lung Volume Test, accurately measuring your lung volume.
• Lung Diffusion Capacity, measuring gas exchange and the ability of the lungs to absorb oxygen.
• Pulse Oximetry, estimating oxygen saturation of the blood.
• Arterial Blood Gas measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels of the blood.
• 6-Minute Walk Test, determining exercise capacity and oxygen saturation with exercise.

Please note that some elements of your pulmonary function test may be performed off-site.

We take pride in offering comprehensive lung cancer screenings, a vital tool for early detection and treatment planning. This involves our doctors ordering low-dose CT scans that provide detailed images of your lungs, enabling us to spot any abnormalities or early signs of cancer. If you are experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss, it is crucial to schedule a screening at your earliest convenience. Remember, early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.