11/12/26
During Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, Maury Regional Health pulmonologist Jon L. Freels, MD, says the case offers an important reminder: A lung nodule does not automatically
Lung nodules are small spots that appear on imaging scans and can have many causes, including certain fungal and mold exposures common in this region. Doctors also consider a spot’s size, shape and location along with a person’s health history and risk factors when deciding whether it should be watched or needs more testing.
One challenge with lung cancer is that early warning signs are not always obvious. A cough is one of the most common symptoms associated with lung cancer, but it is also something nearly everyone experiences.
A cough by itself does not necessarily point to cancer, and symptoms alone may not provide an early warning. People who develop more concerning symptoms — such as coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, hoarseness or chest pain — should talk with a health care provider.
For people at higher risk who do not have symptoms, screening can help find changes earlier. At Maury Regional Health, patients may qualify for an annual low-dose CT lung screening if they are ages 50 to 77, have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history, currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, have no symptoms of lung cancer and receive an order from their physician. A 20 pack-year history could mean smoking one pack a day for 20 years.
Smoking remains the leading risk factor for lung cancer, but Freels emphasized that fear or stigma should not keep someone from asking about their risk.
If a scan finds a suspicious nodule, the next step could be another scan, a PET scan or a biopsy to collect a small tissue sample.
In September, Maury Regional introduced the Ion® robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system from Intuitive as another option for patients who need a lung biopsy. The system builds on technology already used at Maury Regional to help physicians reach lung nodules through the airways.
The system helps hold the catheter steady while tissue samples are collected. Most patients return home the same day.
For individuals age 50 and older who do not meet criteria for a traditional lung cancer screening, Maury Regional also offers a $100 self-pay CT screening of the chest and lungs without a physician order.
To learn more or schedule a screening, call 931.380.4044 or visit MauryRegional.com.
