The UT Health East Texas Lung Nodule Program utilizes a multidisciplinary team to provide early detection, diagnosis and timely treatment of nodules detected in the lung.
Our healthcare specialists use evidence-based guidelines in their evaluations, which are customized for each patient. A dedicated nurse navigator will work with each patient, educating and guiding them through the treatment process..
Lung nodules should be tested
Lung nodules are common and often do not cause any noticeable symptoms, and therefore, often go undetected. While most nodules are benign (not cancer) and can come from infections or scars, all lung nodules should be evaluated to determine if the mass is cancer, represents a precancerous condition or may be cancer spreading from another part of the body.
Initial evaluations may include:
- Diagnostic imaging
- Breathing test
- Evaluation by a lung specialist
- Plan for follow-up monitoring
Some patients may receive a periodic series of CT scans to monitor a growing nodule, which may indicate a possible cancer. The physician will take into account whether the patient is at higher risk for lung cancer.
Customized treatment
Each patient in the program receives optimal, customized treatment based on thorough examination by the UT Health East Texas multidisciplinary team of specialists. Patients are offered access to the latest clinical trials.
This program is designed to simplify the process for the patient, eliminating unnecessary office visits and duplicated procedures, while ensuring timely follow-up and optimal care.
Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system
Ion is a minimally invasive robotic-assisted procedure for lung biopsies, which are performed when a nodule or mass is discovered in the lung.
The Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system enables physicians to obtain tissue samples from deep within the lung, addressing a challenging aspect of lung biopsy. It also may help patients avoid subsequent biopsies by helping enable a diagnosis through the samples obtained.
The system features an ultra-thin, ultra-maneuverable catheter that allows navigation far into the peripheral lung, and unprecedented stability enables the precision needed for biopsy compared to manual techniques. Ion provides more reach, more stability and more precision, enabling patients to receive the best quality care at our hospital.
UT Health East Texas Pulmonary Institute multidisciplinary team
Experts from the UT Health East Texas Pulmonary Institute include diagnostic radiology, diagnostic pathology, medical oncology, thoracic surgery and radiation oncology. These experts collaborate to create the patient’s individualized care plan.
Hallmarks of the UT Health East Texas Lung Nodule Program:
- Prompt scheduling of initial visit.
- On-site CT scanning with same-day interpretation.
- Timely assessment, diagnosis and recommendations.
- Management of follow-up visits.
- Coordination of care with multiple specialists.
- Ongoing communication with referring physician.
- Patient education.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call:
Lung Nodule Program: Call 903-877-7008 or fax 903-877-5128.
UT Health East Texas Pulmonary Institute at S. Fleishel - A department of UT Health Tyler at 903-592-6901
UT Health East Texas Pulmonary Institute at North Campus Tyler at 903-877-7916
