What Are Lung Masses and Tumors?

Lung nodules and masses may represent many different things. To determine the cause of these it is best to visit with your doctor during your appointment to determine which treatments will be appropriate for your specific situation.

SUPERDIMENSION ELECTROMAGNETIC NAVIGATION BRONCHOSCOPY

This is a minimally invasive procedure used to help physicians gain access to difficult-to-reach areas of the lungs. This technology allows the physician to navigate through the bronchial pathways of the lungs using a visual 3D bronchial map. Physicians are then able to navigate to a desired location(s) within the lung for biopsy or to mark location(s) needed for treatment. This procedure aids physicians with diagnosis of many lung diseases and is also used to help prepare for targeted treatment.

ENDOBRONCHIAL ULTRASOUND

This is a form of ultrasound that allows your doctor to both look inside of your lungs and take samples to help diagnose lung cancer, infections, and other possible diseases. A small tude is passed through your lungs with a tiny camera allowing the doctor to view live imaging of the surface of the lungs, airways, blood vessels and lymph nodes. Being able to internally view potential areas of concern can help the doctor to locate the best places to take samples for testing. Most commonly EBUS is performed on patients under moderate sedation or general anesthesia and patients are generally able to recover quickly and can go home the same day.

PLEURX CATHETER

The PleurX catheter is a very thin tube used to drain the fluid buildup caused by pleural diffusion. Pleural effusion is when excess fluid accumulates in the pleural cavity, a fluid-filled space that surrounds the lungs. This excess fluid can make breathing more difficult as it limits the expansion of the lungs. It causes shortness of breath and chest pain. Placement of the PleurX catheter is minimally invasive procedure in which the catheter is inserted into the pleural space through a small incision.

CRYOABIATION

Cryoablation is a procedure that applies extreme cold to freeze and destroy damaged tissue or tumor cells. This technique has been used for years by physicians but recent advances in technology have allowed physicians to operate in a minimally invasive procedure and allows for physicians to specially target tissue so that nearby healthy tissue is not damaged.