Preventative Screening
Each year more than 150,000 patients present
to their physicians with pulmonary intermediate
nodules. These nodules are round or oval
in shape and are defined as lung lesions, less
than 1 cm, with clearly defined borders. And,
while more than ninety percent are harmless,
a small number may represent a very early tumor.
These nodules are usually found incidentally
in otherwise healthy patients without symptoms
of cough, bloody mucus, or unexplained weight
loss.
The presence of pulmonary indeterminate nodules
can cause a considerable amount of anxiety and
stress. Rather than having surgery only to discover
a lesion is benign, patients can now be evaluated,
carefully monitored and treated through a new,
specialized service at the Hospital of the University
of Pennsylvania called the Lung
Nodule Program.
Studies have shown that careful surveillance
can eliminate unnecessary surgery and diagnose
lung cancer at a curable stage.
The Lung Nodule Program is staffed by a multidisciplinary
team including thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists,
thoracic radiologists, and advanced practice
nurses. Patients will have an initial consultation
with a Penn thoracic surgeon, who may then refer
patients to the Lung Nodule Program.
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