Pulmonary Diagnostics
Christian Hospital’s Center for Advanced Pulmonary Medicine provides its patients with advanced technologies for earlier detection of lung disease and lung cancer. It is the one of the only hospitals in the St. Louis area to offer low-dose CT scanning and to use both endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and electromagnetic navigation (super dimension).
Low-Dose CT Scanning
We utilize low-dose CT imaging technology to help provide an earlier diagnosis of lung cancer. By diagnosing cancer at an earlier stage, low-dose CT scanning has been shown to reduce lung cancer deaths by 20 percent.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends low-dose CT scanning for people who fall into two high-risk categories for developing lung cancer.
- People 55 and older who have smoked a pack per day for 30 or more years, and who have not quit for 15 years
- People 50 and older who have smoked a pack per day for 20 years or more, and who have at least one additional risk factor (besides second-hand smoke), such as:
- Exposure to radon, asbestos, diesel fumes or heavy metals
- Having had certain other cancers or fibrosis of the lung
- Primary family members who’ve had lung cancer
Screenings are recommended to continue until the patient is 75 or until the patient is smoke-free for 15 years.
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) and Electromagnetic Navigation
Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and electromagnetic navigation are used to better diagnose damaged or diseased tissue found in hard-to-reach parts of the chest. EBUS is particularly helpful to biopsy tumors while electromagnetic navigation allows doctors to remove samples of lung tissue that were previously too small to collect. These outpatient procedures are typically performed after a CT or PET scan has identified an area of concern.
Prior to these medical advancements, surgery was required to biopsy lesions or tumors found in areas such as the lungs, heart, esophagus and lymph nodes – which generally required hospitalization, general anesthetics and a longer recovery period.
Christian Hospital and Northwest HealthCare provide world-class medical care to families in North St. Louis County, St. Louis and Southwestern Illinois.