Lung Cancer
Advanced technology to diagnose and treat lung cancer
Whether you’re concerned about your risk of lung cancer or have been diagnosed, turn to Bryan Lung Cancer Center for your most trusted and compassionate care; from screenings to diagnosis and treatment, our team is here for you.
Bryan Lung Cancer Center - Advanced treatment options and support; A team dedicated to you
As a patient at Bryan Lung Cancer Center, you have a team of lung cancer specialists who review your test results to determine the best treatment approach for you. Our collaborative team includes board certified:
- Radiologists
- Pathologists
- Cardiothoracic surgeons
- Pulmonologists
- Oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
In addition to our team of physician specialists, our team includes specially trained oncology nurses, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants, and oncology nurse navigators to guide you through all aspects of your diagnosis and cancer treatment journey.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
When something worrisome shows up on a chest x-ray, doctors need to know if the growth (tumor) is cancerous. A biopsy is done to accomplish this.
New technology at Bryan is a game-changer for lung biopsies. With the Veran SPiN Access Catheter System, doctors have a 3-dimensional view of the lungs and can get to hard-to-reach areas and very small tumors. This technology helps guide pulmonologists during minimally invasive biopsies of suspected lung cancer. It is a significant advancement to precisely target a tumor and get cell samples to make a diagnosis, and in Nebraska it is only available at Bryan Medical Center.
View SPiN System technology
Technology Helps Jim and His Doctor Fight Lung Cancer
Jim Jones, 75, of Humboldt, first met with pulmonologist Ryan Martin, MD, of Lincoln Pulmonary Specialties, after his family nurse practitioner saw something worrisome on Jim’s chest X-ray. Dr. Martin found that Jim had a 1.5-inch-long tumor in his lung. An important question remained — was it cancer or a less dangerous, benign tumor? Dr. Martin planned a biopsy, a procedure that would remove a very small amount of tissue from Jim’s tumor for testing, to find out. Problem was, Jim's tumor lay right alongside his aorta, the very large vessel carrying blood from the heart into the rest of the body.
Read Jim's Story Now
Causes of Lung Cancer
While smoking is the leading cause of cancer, each year 20,000-30,000 people who have never smoked are diagnosed with cancer. That’s why it’s important to identify and assess your risk for lung cancer early and often.
Smoking
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.
Quitting the use of tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your body. Call the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or Spanish: 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569)
Radon
Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause among people who have never smoked.
Secondhand Smoke
Inhaling secondhand smoke, taking in nicotine and toxic chemicals can cause cancer. Your best protection is to avoid secondhand smoke.
Asbestos
People who have come into contact with asbestos can develop a specific type of lung cancer called mesothelioma. If you’re worried about your potential exposure to asbestos, discuss your concerns with your doctor.
Family History
If your parents or sibling have had lung cancer, you’re at a greater risk. An increase in risk comes from sharing behaviors like smoking and living together in a house that contains radon.
Reduce Risk Factors
To reduce your risk for lung cancer, control your risk factors.
Screenings
Lung Cancer CT Screening
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. If found early, there are more treatment options available. National Cancer Institute research found that an annual CT screening can reduce the number of deaths from lung cancer by 20 percent.
You may qualify for a low-dose CT scan if you meet all of the following:
- Are 50 years of age or older
- Have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history (packs per day multiplied by years)
- Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
Screenings for lung cancer are covered by Medicare and other insurance companies. If the screening is not covered by your insurance, it can be provided at Bryan Medical Center for $250 payable at time of service.
If you qualify for this screening, talk to your doctor about ordering this test.
If you have questions, please call Bryan Scheduling Center at 402-481-5121.
Lung Cancer Risk Assessment
This online risk assessment is free. Take your assessment now to identify your potential risk of developing lung cancer.
Diagnosis
If a diagnosis of lung cancer is confirmed, your doctor will discuss treatment with you. Your options depend mainly on the location of the mass or tumor in your lung and the extent, or stage of the cancer.
Your treatment team determines the stage of your cancer by using a combination of several procedures:
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Bronchoscopy
Procedure in which a pulmonologist examines the airway to look for tumors and removes a small amount of tissue to be tested for cancer
- Image-guided needle biopsy
A specially trained radiologist will remove lung tissue to test for cancer
- Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
A newer type of bronchoscopy that uses sound waves from an ultrasound probe to create images of nearby areas in the lungs and mediastinum and take a sample of tissue
- Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy
Using your CT-scan, the Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy creates a roadmap of your lungs. The technology then uses that roadmap to guide your doctor to the area affected by cancer. Then your doctor can they can place tools for biopsy, stage, and place markers for treatment
Treatment and Therapies
Your doctor will give you as much information as possible to help you understand which treatment method or combination of methods are the best option for you. Your doctor and nurses will help you know what to expect. At Bryan, specially trained nurse navigators serve as your guide, advocate, educator, resource and liaison through all aspects of your cancer journey and especially as you make decisions about the best care and treatment for you.
Questions?
We're here to support you. Call our cancer program line at 402-481-7900.
