Special Services and Diagnostic Tests
Interventional pulmonology
Interventional bronchoscopy
Stent therapy
Radiation Therapy
Stereotactic radiosurgery with the Trilogy™ system
Endobronchial radiation
Specialized surgery
Other Services
The Cancer Center’s Comprehensive Thoracic Oncology Program has the only interventional pulmonologist in northern New England. Interventional pulmonology provides less invasive methods of diagnosis that decrease the need for some surgeries. Diagnosis of lung cancer is made easier and safer by combining ultrasound and bronchoscopy into endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). This new technology allows doctors to get a clearer picture of the lungs for more accurate biopsy and diagnosis. EBUS improves “staging” of the extent of a tumor and so can help avoid unnecessary surgery.
Interventional bronchoscopy has advanced the treatment of lung cancer. Combined with a bronchoscope, technologies such as lasers and electrocautery are used to burn cancer tissue and then remove it. These procedures can allow patients to breathe more easily and decrease shortness of breath and oxygen use.
A stent is an important option when removal of tissue alone is not effective, or for late stage lung cancer. A stent is a metal or plastic tube placed in the airway to open a blocked airway or support a weakened one.
New technologies are enabling radiation oncologists to use radiation therapy as an alternative to standard surgery. PET-CT scans with hardware that tracks a patient’s breathing cycle allow radiation beams to be switched on and off in time with the patient’s breath—so the beams hit only the tumor in the lung as it moves.
Stereotactic radiosurgery with the Trilogy™ system
The Trilogy system combines high definition x-ray and CT imagining with precise radiation delivery so radiation oncologist can perform radiosurgery in the lung. Treatment is less invasive and can shorten treatment times and reduce side effects.
Endobronchial radiation is a team effort between the pulmonologist and radiation oncologist. Using bronchoscopy, a catheter is place at the tumor site in the patient’s airway, and then temporarily filled with high dose iridium beads to kill the tumor.
The Cancer Center’s Lung Cancer Program has only fellowship-trained surgical thoracic oncologist in New Hampshire and Vermont. He focuses specifically on minimally invasive surgery for cancers of the lung and esophagus, laser surgery for tumors in the airway, and lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema.
Review and second opinions for all diagnostic biopsies and pathology specimens
Minimally invasive surgery and post-operative pain reduction
Smoking cessation program
Nutritional support
Palliative care/emotional and spiritual support
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Learn more about lung cancer from the National Cancer Institute. |
