Lung Care
If you have trouble breathing, you’re not alone. Lung disease affects millions of people in the United States. At Cape Cod Healthcare, our experienced respiratory professionals have the skills to make it easier for you to breathe.
Our experts treat a wide range of lung conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Emphysema
Maintaining your lung health requires a specialized approach to care including screening, lung cancer prevention education, risk assessment, diagnosis, and if needed, treatment and care coordination.
Our experts diagnose lung conditions, including lung cancer, using the latest screening technology and provide advanced thoracic surgery, minimally invasive ablation and pulmonary rehabilitation for the best possible care.
Lung Cancer Screening
Early diagnosis of lung cancer leads to faster treatment and improved results. Your doctor will ask about your medical history, including smoking, exposure to certain substances and family history of cancer.
A variety of imaging and screening tests are used to diagnose cancer, such as:
- Chest X-ray – An X-ray to check for abnormal areas on the lungs
- Low-Dose CT scan – Leveraging a low dose of radiation, a series of X-rays merged to create images of the lung. A special spiral or helical CT scan may identify smaller tumors than a regular X-ray
- Navigational Bronchoscopy – A scan producing a 3-D image of the lungs
- Sputum cytology – Examination of a sample of mucus from the lungs
- Biopsy – Removal of a sample of lung tissue to be tested for cancer cells. Methods of lung biopsy include bronchoscopy, needle aspiration and thoracentesis
- Pulmonary function tests – A series of tests done to see how well your lungs work, providing information about what kind of treatments may be appropriate for you.
Low-Dose CT Scan (LDCT)
Cape Cod Healthcare utilizes low-dose CT scans (LDCT) at Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital. A low-dose CT scan is recommended for patients at a high risk for lung cancer. This type of scan uses 75% less radiation then a regular CT scan and does not require needles. It shows more detail than a standalone Chest X-Ray.
For those at high-risk, getting yearly LDCT scans before symptoms start can help detect lung cancer early when it is most treatable, lowering the risk of dying from lung cancer.
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force lung cancer screening guidelines recommend yearly low dose CT (LDCT) for certain people at higher risk of lung cancer that meet the following conditions:
- Are aged 50 years to 80 years and are in good health and
- Are currently smokers or have quit within the past 15 years and
- Have at least a 20-pack-year smoking history
Smoking Cessation
Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer and contributes to 80% of lung cancer deaths in men and 90% of lung cancer deaths in women. Learn more about our smoking cessation resources, including reasons for quitting, education about smoking “triggers,” and resources available to help you take the first step towards quitting.
Lung Cancer Treatment & Support Services
Should a diagnosis confirm the presence of lung cancer we offer access to an exceptional team of cancer experts. Our Thoracic Oncology Clinic includes a cross-section of healthcare providers, such as surgeons, oncologists and social workers, who develop a personalized and optimal treatment plan for every patient. They meet regularly about patient care and can consult with experts from our partner hospitals.
Cape Cod Healthcare offers a full range of support services for cancer patients and their families, including counseling, education, financial and insurance information, and networking. We will be your partner as you navigate cancer.
