Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Winter 2019

8 | Winter 2019 CANCER CARE T he sooner lung cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances for survival. Until recently, however, early detection has been difficult — which may be one reason why lung cancer remains the No. 1 cancer killer of both men and women in the U.S. But there is good news about the disease: Doctors now have a screening test that can catch lung cancer early. It’s called low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). LDCT produces cross-sectional images of the entire chest, including the lungs, using special X-ray equipment and sophisticated computers. These im- ages enable doctors to detect very small nodules in the lung. “A low-dose CT scan can reveal lung cancer in its earliest stages,” says Lake Regional Radiologist Michael Vierra, M.D. “It’s a simple test that saves lives.” What if there’s a concern? If your screening identifies an area of concern, Lake Regional Pulmonologist Harjyot “Joe” Sohal, M.D., can perform an endobronchial ultrasound, also called EBUS. In this procedure, Dr. Sohal uses a scope to view multiple areas of the lungs and to collect tissue samples. He can determine if there is cancer and if so, how far it has spread — all without invasive surgery. Learn more at lakeregional.com/ pulmonology . A simple test can save lives Should you be screened for lung cancer?