Minimally invasive techniques are becoming more omnipresent in the discovery and treatment of a variety of cancers and diseases.
Now, there is a new, efficient procedure being used to diagnose lung cancer, other lung diseases and infections that result in enlarged lymph nodes in the chest area. The endrobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is now available for patients at Lung Center of Nevada, a division of Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada.
According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 223,000 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. This number includes nearly 2,000 new lung and bronchus cancer diagnoses in Nevada in 2017. With accuracy, efficiency and speed, the EBUS procedure is a valuable asset for physicians to detect existing conditions and prospective issues.
The EBUS procedure allows physicians to obtain tissue samples from the lung and adjacent areas without any incision using the transbronchial needle aspiration technique (TBNA). The samples extracted from these areas are used for identifying lung diseases as well as detecting lung cancer.
The instrument used during an EBUS procedure is a specialized bronchoscope, which is a slim and malleable tube that can easily travel through a patient’s mouth and trachea. An ultrasound miniature probe is located at the end of the tube to obtain imagery of any pertinent tissues. This is different from traditional surgery — known as a mediastinoscopy — where an incision must be made in the neck to access the lungs and ultimately obtain tissue.
In addition to not needing an incision, there are numerous benefits for patients that opt for the EBUS procedure rather than a traditional procedure. First — through ultrasound — the technique allows a physician to view real-time images of the lung and surrounding areas, ultimately equating to lesser chances of complications. The images stemming from an EBUS procedure are typically more in-depth as well, as the needle aspiration can travel to difficult-to-reach areas.
Additionally, the majority of patients typically go home within a matter of hours undergoing an EBUS procedure. EBUS is conducted under moderate sedation and is regarded as a routine outpatient procedure, lasting less than one hour. Side effects, while rare, may include mild throat agitation and cough.
To learn more about EBUS and CCCN’s treatment options pertaining to lung cancer and related diseases, visit www.cccnevada.com or call 702-952-3350.