Know your risk the importance of early lung cancer detection

Lung cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages. That’s one reason it is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

However, physicians with University Health’s pulmonary and lung transplant programs say knowing your risk factors and detecting lung cancer early can significantly improve treatment options and outcomes.

“Two-thirds of cases are found late, when it’s hard to treat,” said Dr. Philip Ong, interventional pulmonologist and medical director of bronchoscopy at University Health. “But when it’s found early, the survival rate can be as high as 90%.”

In this KSAT Community partnership article, Dr. Ong explained the risk factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. Smoking is the greatest risk factor. One of the most important steps people can take to reduce their risk is to avoid tobacco or quit smoking. Smoking cessation programs and other resources can help people kick the habit.

However, people who have never smoked can also develop lung cancer. Exposure to secondhand smoke and some environmental toxins can increase risk. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in some homes and workplaces, is another factor.

Who should be screened, and how is it done?

The American Cancer Society recommends yearly lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan for adults ages 50-80 who have a 20 pack-per-year or greater smoking history.

If you are younger than 50 and have a history of smoking, Dr. Ong recommends talking with your doctor about screening.

You should also discuss screening if you have symptoms that could be associated with lung cancer:

• A persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
• Persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms

Robotic technology advances early detection and treatment

If screening detects an abnormal lung nodule or growth, doctors may recommend a biopsy: the removal of a small tissue sample that can be examined for signs of cancer.

A biopsy can be performed in several ways. One approach is a needle biopsy, in which a needle is inserted through the chest wall and into the lung. Dr. Jason Gauthier, a cardiothoracic and lung transplant surgeon at University Health Transplant Institute, says this approach carries a risk of causing a collapsed lung.

His team instead uses robotic bronchoscopy technology to help reach and biopsy certain lung nodules. During a segment of SA Live on KSAT-TV, Dr. Gauthier showed viewers how the technology works. A physician inserts a thin catheter through the mouth and into the airways. A 3D mapping system helps guide the catheter toward the nodule. A needle is then passed through the catheter to collect tissue for testing.

“The robotic bronchoscopy is a quick outpatient procedure,” he explained. “We can pick up nodules as small as 4 millimeters — the size of an eraser on a pencil — and get an accurate diagnosis. And there is a very low risk of anything negative happening.”

The bottom line: talk with your doctor about whether you should be screened for lung cancer.

“When potential lung cancer is detected early, there are a lot of treatment options, and outcomes are very good,” Dr. Gauthier said.