Spring 2023 7 Lung cancer claims more lives than colorectal and breast cancers combined. Doctors at Texas Health Huguley are doing something about that. Their latest tool in the fight against lung cancer? Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. Along with screening for current or former smokers at high risk, this technology has the potential to help doctors diagnose lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Lung nodules (masses) can be found in a lung cancer screening or by chance with a chest x-ray or computed tomography (CT) exam. Most nodules aren’t cancer, but you may need a biopsy to know for sure. A robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is an outpatient procedure done under anesthesia. It starts with a CT scan that a computer uses to map a path through the lungs. A bronchoscope (a camera attached to a thin tube) is then passed down the throat and into the lungs. A specialist controls a robotic arm that guides the scope and biopsy tools. Compared to older methods, a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy: ● Can perform a biopsy with greater precision ● Can reach small nodules in areas of the lungs that couldn’t be reached before “This technology allows us to hunt and diagnose nodules long before they’re symptomatic,” says pulmonologist Jason Seiden, M.D. On-site pathologists provide immediate biopsy results. If cancer is found, patients are referred to a cancer navigator for coordination of treatment and support. “Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is just one example of our commitment to better cancer outcomes for our community,” Dr. Seiden says. Comprehensive cancer care Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Cancer to learn more about our cancer care team and services. Putting people first Our level of dedication to our patients shows in the hospital’s 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which focuses on quality, safety and patient experience. And then there are the five-star moments our team members create for patients every day. “Five-star moments are when we connect with patients, not as patients, but as people,” says Ronny Ford, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Texas Health Huguley. By “looking past the patient label,” Dr. Ford says, our team members go above and beyond to meet our patients’ needs with uncommon kindness. It’s the little things, like getting to know our patients and taking the time to listen, that help them feel special and cared for. “Five-star moments allow us to draw closer to our patients and make them feel more whole, understood, valued, joyful, grateful and loved,” Dr. Ford says. Latest tech helps find lung cancer Benefits of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy
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