Lung Nodule Review Program
As the use of CT imaging has increased, detection of small lung nodules has become routine, even if screening for lung cancer wasn’t the initial purpose of the scan. Holy Cross Health is addressing nodules discovered in this incidental way through our Lung Nodule Review Program.
At no cost, a committee of physician specialists including radiology, pulmonary medicine and thoracic surgeons reviews nodules of inpatients and outpatients — or by physician and patient request — and makes a recommendation for follow-up care, guided by best practices. While most nodules in the lungs prove to be benign, it is important to follow them carefully, as some do represent early-stage cancer in someone who is not experiencing symptoms.
The lung nodule review committee may propose:
- No further evaluation or follow up
- Ongoing CT surveillance to assess and track the nodules
- Diagnostic evaluation and/or biopsy