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L UNG CANCE R I S THE NO . 1 CAUS E OF CANCE R -
related deaths in the United States. Unfortunately, it
typically develops without early symptoms, and when
symptoms do occur, the cancer is often advanced. So,
it’s very important to expedite the diagnosis and start
treatment early to improve outcomes for patients
who have lung cancer.
Even if an imaging test such as a chest x-ray or computed
tomography (CT) scan finds a mass, it is often hard for
doctors to tell if the mass is cancer or a benign lesion. In
many cases, the only way to reach a conclusive diagnosis is
to remove cells from the tumor and look at them under a
microscope. This procedure is called a biopsy.
For a standard chest lymph node biopsy, surgeons
make a tiny neck incision to insert a flexible tube in
order to surgically remove tissue for examination. The
tube includes a camera which allows surgeons to see
lymph nodes, making it possible to pinpoint the affected
tissue inside the chest.
Now, with a new technique called endobronchial
ultrasonography (EBUS), abnormal lymph nodes
can be evaluated with a less invasive approach. The
pulmonologist guides a catheter (a tube with an ultrasonic
probe) through the mouth. The probe provides real-time
ultrasound images, giving the pulmonologist a better
view of difficult-to-reach areas and smaller-sized lymph
nodes. If necessary, samples can be extracted immediately
with few or no side effects, and most patients can
go home the same day.
This technique helps get a very reliable diagnosis, which
allows the cancer specialist to offer a more rapid and
customized treatment for the patient.
“We are excited to have EBUS, as it gives our patients a
noninvasive and accurate way to detect lung cancer
during its early stage,” says Jorge Berrios, MD, a
pulmonologist at PeaceHealth Medical Group Pulmonary
& Critical Care. “It’s a great new tool for our battle
against lung cancer.”
New tool for
battling
lung cancer
Jorge Berrios, MD
PeaceHealth Medical Group
Pulmonary & Critical Care
200 NE M
OTHER
J
OSEPH
P
LACE
,
S
UITE
330
Vancouver, WA 98664
360.514.2990
Does the thought of
stopping to smell the
flowers make your nose
itch and take your breath
away? If you’re one of
the 35 million Americans
with allergies, asthma or
COPD, it might. With global
warming, nasal allergy
during the ragweed pollen
Chronic Lung Diseases:
DON’T LET THEM TAKE THE BLOOM OFF SPRING!
season—also called hay
fever or seasonal allergic
rhinitis—lasts up to three
weeks longer than it used
to, and the farther north
you live, the longer you
have to wait for relief.
And, if you have asthma or
COPD, this may mean you’ll
be using your rescue inhaler
several times a day and
could even need to seek
treatment in the emergency
room. Learn strategies for
identifying and managing
the minefield of allergy
triggers affecting chronic
lung disease using natural
remedies and medicinal
methods.
CHRONIC LUNG DISEASES:
Don’t let them take the bloom
off spring!
When:
May 24, 6 p.m.
Where:
HEC
Register:
swEvents.org
Presented by:
Rita Williams, NP
PeaceHealth Medical Group
Pulmonary & Critical Care
4
SOUTHWEST
health