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There are two main types of lung cancer. Treatment varies because each type grows and spreads in different ways.
Physicians use several techniques to locate abnormal areas and determine the extent of the disease. These tools provide critical information used to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Low dose computed tomography (CT) can detect tiny lung tumors. Greenwich Hospital is part of the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP) to provide early screenings with low-dose CT can improve survival. Early study results announced in November 2010 found people who had low dose CT had a 20 percent lower chance of dying from cancer than those who had chest X-rays. Learn more about screening and detection of lung cancer and Clinical Trials & Research
For a complete list of imaging resources at Greenwich Hospital, see Radiology Services.
During a bronchoscopy, physicians use a lighted, flexible tube called a bronchoscope to detect tumors or suspicious cells. Tissue samples can be removed from the bronchial passages for analysis.
Mediastinoscopy is a surgical staging procedure using a long, thin, flexible, lighted tube to view and biopsy the area behind the breastbone and between the lungs, or mediasteium, This allows the medical team to determine whether or not cancer had spread to any lymph nodes in that area.
This procedure uses a device known as the iLogic or SuperDimension system, a navigational system for the lungs. Aided by a video monitor, the physician guides a flexible catheter through very delicate vessels of the bronchial tree to reach small lung lesions for biopsy and, in some cases, treatment.
Endobronchial ultrasound, or EBUS, is used to diagnose and stage lung cancer without conventional surgery. The device is inserted through a bronchoscope in the airway, allowing doctors to view and biopsy lymph nodes or another area of concern.
A small flexible tube with an ultrasound machine on the tip is placed inside the esophagus. The device can examine growths and tumors located in the wall of the esophagus or in the structures surrounding the esophagus.
Guided by computed tomography (CT) imaging, doctors use a fine needle to remove or aspirate tissue samples that are not accessible during a bronchoscopy.
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