Saturday, February 04, 2012

Comprehensive Lung Nodule Program may hasten diagnosis of lung disease

Lung nodules are round or oval shaped masses in the lungs that are usually discovered in an X-ray or CT scan image. While usually not cancerous, they may be an indication of an early stage of lung cancer. With that possibility, physicians recommend that patients receive timely follow-up care if a lung nodule is identified.

The Comprehensive Lung Nodule Program is a collaborative effort among Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Cabell Huntington Hospital and the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center. It was designed to help patients make one call to (888) 691-1689 and receive the fastest possible care when a lung nodule is found during diagnostic testing.

"With this program, we are able to provide the tools to diagnose and treat lung nodules to avoid any unnecessary anxiety for the patient," said Alejandro Lorenzana, MD, a pulmonologist with the Department of Internal Medicine at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and the director of the Comprehensive Lung Nodule Program. "It is most important for patients to not ignore these spots, to identify what they are and seek the proper treatment."

It is now easier for patients to receive that care through the Comprehensive Lung Nodule Program, which was designed to meet these goals:

1. Patients who contact the program receive an exam by a physician within two days of their phone call.
2. Evaluations are completed within two weeks.
3. Patients receive appropriate treatment immediately, if needed.

The earlier lung cancer is detected and the earlier treatment can be started, the greater the chances it can be successfully treated. Anyone who has had a lung nodule discovered on an X-ray or CT scan can call (888) 691-1689 to schedule an examination.

More information about the Comprehensive Lung Nodule Program