UPMC Launches New Multidisciplinary Lung Nodule Program in Pittsburgh
November 18, 2024
Pittsburgh's multidisciplinary Lung Nodule Program is comprised of physicians and nurses at UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside who work collaboratively and efficiently to manage all forms of lung nodules.
The program includes pulmonary specialists, thoracic surgeons, and radiologists who work together to provide the most comprehensive and streamlined care including:
- Thorough review of chest imaging and evaluation of each patient’s lung nodule
- Establishment of a diagnostic plan that is specifically designed based on the patient’s preferences and the expertise of our specialists
- State-of-the-art diagnostic technologies
- Rapid initiation of a treatment plan
Depending on each patient’s diagnosis our team will formulate an individualized treatment plan and guide them to the correct specialist for further care.
What is a Pulmonary Nodule?
A pulmonary nodule is a spot in the lung, detected on a chest x-ray or CT scan. While most lung nodules are benign and represent either old scars, prior infections or a variety of other inflammatory causes, some of these nodules are due to cancer, especially in individuals with certain risk factors. Concerning nodules require further investigation and potentially treatment.
How is a Nodule Discovered?
Incidental Nodules: Pulmonary nodules typically do not cause any symptoms, so they are often discovered by the radiology team when imaging is performed for other medical complaints. Symptoms that may occur include a cough that does not resolve after a few months, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weight loss, fevers, or coughing up blood. When an incidental nodule is identified, the patient is referred to our team for the appropriate follow up and next steps.
Screening: Research demonstrates that screening patients who are higher risk for lung cancer using a low dose CT scan of the chest significantly reduces mortality as these nodules are detected at an earlier stage and are easier to treat. A low dose lung cancer screening CT is a type of CT scan that helps doctors discover worrisome pulmonary nodules using 80% less radiation than a normal CT scan.
To be eligible for a lung cancer screening CT a patient must:
- Be between 50-80 years of age
- Have a 20 pack-year history of smoking (one pack per day for a year is equivalent to one pack year)
- Be a current smoker or have quit within the past 15 years
- Not be currently undergoing treatment for lung cancer and willing to undergo further testing and care
Learn more about UPMC’s Lung Cancer Screening Program
What Your Patient Should Expect
Patients should start by talking to their primary care provider or scheduling an appointment at the UPMC Comprehensive Lung Center to discuss qualifications for a lung cancer screening CT.
- If it’s determined that they qualify for a scan, an order will be placed.
- No special preparation or fasting is needed.
- The screening CT scan is a quick, painless, non-invasive procedure that takes under one minute, with the whole appointment lasting less than 30 minutes.The scan uses no dyes or injections, and nothing needs to be swallowed.
- Once the scan is completed a follow-up appointment will be scheduled with a member of the Lung Cancer Screening Team to discuss the results in detail, answer any questions, and determine if any further testing is needed.
Treatment
Depending on characteristics of the nodule and the results of diagnostic testing, treatment may involve anything from follow-up imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Follow-up imaging or referrals to the appropriate specialist will be coordinated by the lung nodule program to assist patients with rapid treatment when appropriate.
Our Team:
Our team is comprised of experts from pulmonology, thoracic surgery, and thoracic radiology.
Contact the Pulmonary Nodule Clinic
Heather Heckman
(412) 687-3355
puhshylungnodule@upmc.edu
