Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for about one in five cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Screening and early treatment offer the best chance for survival, and McLaren Greater Lansing just made a large investment into new technology that will enhance lung cancer screening.
With the addition of the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy, a platform for minimally invasive peripheral lung biopsy, physicians can view deeper into the lungs and biopsy smaller, previously unreachable suspicious nodules in the peripheral tissue, allowing them to accurately diagnose the nodule as benign or cancerous and begin treatment before the disease advances.
“This state-of-the-art technology signifies a major milestone in the realm of medical innovation, providing a comprehensive solution for diagnosing and staging lung cancer in a single session,” said Dr. Aboubakr, Pulmonologist at McLaren Greater Lansing. “By eliminating the need for multiple biopsies, this system offers a more efficient and cost-effective approach, potentially saving patients weeks or even months in their diagnostic journey. Its minimally invasive nature allows for targeted biopsies in the peripheral lung, addressing the challenge of reaching nodules in this critical area, where a majority of lung nodules are located.”
The technology integrates with McLaren Greater Lansing’s advanced imaging capabilities to create a 3D model of the patient’s specific lung anatomy, assisting the physician’s navigation. Guided by the physician, the Ion’s thin and maneuverable catheter is directed to the nodule for biopsy.
“The Ion robotic system has completely transformed the process of collecting lung tissue samples for biopsy, making it not only safer but also incredibly simple,” said Dr. Aboubakr. “This is particularly true for cases involving small lung nodules located in hard-to-reach areas like the periphery. With the Ion system's ultrathin and ultramaneuverable catheter, clinicians are now able to access all 18 segments of the lung with increased reach, precision, and stability.”
One of the reasons lung cancer is so deadly is because it’s a silent cancer — meaning in the early stages of the disease, there are few to no symptoms present. This is why, if you meet any of the following criteria, you should schedule a lung cancer screening:
- You’re a current smoker aged 50-77
- You’re a current smoker of any age with at least a 20-pack-year smoking history (i.e., have smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years)
- You’re a former smoker of any age (particularly if you quit within the last 15 years, or had a 20-pack-year smoking history, or are 50-77)
- You have a family history of lung cancer
Note that you should have this screening done only if you are not experiencing any symptoms possibly related to lung cancer (such as fever, chest pain, new shortness of breath, new or changing cough, hoarseness, unexplained significant weight loss, or coughing up blood). If you are experiencing symptoms related to lung cancer, you should schedule an appointment with your primary care provider as soon as possible.
Part of the Karmanos Cancer Network, the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing is one of the region’s leading cancer care providers, providing patients with access to advanced diagnostic, treatments, surgeries, and clinical trials to bolster their fight against cancer.
Click here to learn more about cancer services provided at McLaren Greater Lansing.