By David Gass, M.D.
A lung nodule is a small mass that may appear as a spot on the lung during a CT scan or chest X-ray. While the discovery can understandably cause concern, the reassuring news is that less than 5% of lung nodules are cancerous. Still, patients often wonder: When should I be worried if I have a lung nodule?
That question is at the heart of the UT Health East Texas lung nodule program, a comprehensive, patient-centered approach designed to ensure early detection, coordinated care and peace of mind.
A coordinated approach to lung nodule care
The UT Health East Texas lung nodule program serves patients who have an abnormal chest X-ray or CT scan, as well as those diagnosed with lung cancer. The program brings together a dedicated, multidisciplinary team, including:
- Pulmonary nurse navigator
- Radiologists
- Thoracic surgeons
- Oncologists
- Interventional pulmonologists
By combining clinical expertise with advanced diagnostic technology, the team ensures patients’ care moves smoothly from detection to follow-up and, when necessary, treatment. This coordinated approach reduces uncertainty, minimizes delays and provides clear guidance at every step of the journey.
First in east Texas to use AI for lung cancer detection
We are the first hospital system in the region to leverage advanced artificial intelligence technology to assist in the early detection and treatment of lung cancer. This groundbreaking initiative brings cutting-edge diagnostic innovation to east Texas, empowering physicians to identify cancer earlier and begin treatment sooner, often improving outcomes.
The health system has integrated AI-powered technology from Eon to enhance the review of radiology reports that contain incidental findings: lung nodules discovered unexpectedly during imaging performed for other medical reasons. These findings are common and can easily be overlooked without a structured follow-up process.
This level of comprehensive, technology-enabled care is now available close to home. As the only health system in the region using this AI-driven approach, UT Health East Texas is ensuring patients no longer need to travel to large metropolitan areas for advanced lung nodule management.
Guiding patients every step of the way
Within our lung nodule program, specialists work as a unified team to guide each patient through next steps. When a nodule appears concerning, the program has the tools, expertise and structure to move quickly and decisively.
For patients, that means:
- Faster answers
- Clear communication
- Less confusion
- A smoother path from diagnosis to treatment
The result is earlier intervention, improved outcomes and greater peace of mind for patients and their families.
Leading the future of care in east Texas
The use of artificial intelligence in radiology represents an emerging frontier in healthcare, and we are proud to lead that transformation locally. By embedding Eon’s AI-powered platform into diagnostic imaging and care management workflows, we’re improving early detection, supporting timely intervention and offering patients at risk for lung cancer a better chance at survival.
Most importantly, this innovation ensures that patients in east Texas have access to the same sophisticated lung nodule programs typically found only in larger cities without having to leave their community.
David Gass, M.D., specializes in pulmonology and critical care medicine at UT Health East Texas. He is employed as a clinical faculty physician at The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center under the UT Tyler School of Medicine.