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HOW LOW-DOSE CT SCANS AT WILLIAMSON MEDICAL GROUP’S LUNG NODULE CLINIC ARE AIDING THE FIGHT AGAINST LUNG CANCER

Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women in the United States. In an effort to raise awareness and improve outcomes for lung cancer patients worldwide, a special coalition deemed November Lung

Cancer Awareness Month.

In 2021, lung cancer was projected to cause nearly as many deaths as breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancers combined. Though when detected early, the likelihood of surviving five or more years improves to 60%.

“These scans can detect even small lung cancers that are not visible on chest X-rays and may reveal other lung diseases as well.”

- Dr. Assad

“Studies have shown that screening high-risk patients can help find lung cancer before symptoms appear,” said Tufik Assad, M.D., Interventional Pulmonologist and Director of Critical Care at Williamson Medical Center (WMC). “When caught early, lung cancer is easier to treat.”

WITH WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER

Dr. Assad is also WMC’s cancer physician liaison for the Commission on Cancer as well as the medical director of Williamson Medical Group’s (WMG) lung nodule program, a screening program designed to identify abnormal nodules in patient’s lungs through low-dose CT screening.

“Low-dose CT screening is quick, painless and convenient,” said Assad. “These scans can detect even small lung cancers that are not visible on chest X-rays and may reveal other lung diseases as well.”

WMC offers a range of screening and treatment options in the heart of Williamson County. Dr. Assad, along with interventional pulmonologist Devin Sherman, M.D., provide advanced bronchoscopy services using endobronchial ultrasound, as well as navigational bronchoscopy.

“Navigational bronchoscopy uses a patient CT scan to create a digital map of the airways, allowing us to use instruments to access nodules distantly located in the lung,” said Sherman. “We are the only center in Middle Tennessee that uses the Veran navigation platform. Unlike other technologies, this platform allows us to biopsy nodules both through a scope in the airways as well as through the skin, all during a single procedure.” The WMC lung screening team also includes a dedicated oncology and lung navigator who

“Navigational bronchoscopy uses a patient CT scan to create a digital map of the airways, allowing us to use instruments to access nodules distantly located in the lung ”

- Dr. Sherman

individualizes a diagnostic and treatment plan for each patient. This includes addressing the patients’ barriers to care, counseling on recommended testing, educating them on their final diagnosis and supporting them through the complicated psychosocial stressors of their illness.

Early detection through routine screening remains crucial to catching lung cancer in its early stages. To schedule an appointment with a Williamson Medical Group lung specialist, call (615) 790-4159.

Williamson Medical Center has been a pillar of our region for over sixty years, with an impressive tradition and commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services to hundreds of thousands of patients and an overall dedication to the well-being of our community. For more information, please visit williamsonmedicalcenter.org.

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