Comprehensive Lung Center

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death in the United States. At the Comprehensive Lung Center at St. Mary’s we provide screenings to help prevent cancer as well as advanced diagnostics to treat cancer should it be detected. Lung cancer screening is available to anyone at high risk. You may make an appointment yourself, or have your doctor refer you.

Advanced Techniques To Diagnose And Treat Lung Cancer

Screening assists patients to be diagnosed using low dose radiation CT of the lungs at an early, curable stage of disease. Our advanced technologies and minimally invasive techniques for diagnosing and treating lung cancer and other disorders include:

  • Endobronchial ultrasound-guided biopsy (EBUS) – A bronchoscope inserted through the mouth provides high-quality images that enable the physician to biopsy lesions and lymph nodes surrounding the airway.
  • Lung Cancer Screening – Low-dose radiation CT screening helps identify abnormalities in the lung, including pulmonary nodules and lung cancer, in patients who have been heavy smokers or are at high risk for cancer.
  • Mediastinoscopy – This minimally invasive diagnostic technique, a thin scope is inserted through a small incision in the neck to biopsy lesions and lymph nodes in the space between the lungs.
  • Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) – This new procedure allows the doctor to insert a small camera and surgical tools through 1- to 2- cm openings in the chest to complete a wedge biopsy for the diagnosis of lung cancer and other lung diseases.

If Lung Cancer Is Detected

If lung cancer is detected, you might benefit from our minimally invasive Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy (EBUS), which allows a doctor to biopsy suspicious lymph nodes and nodules by passing a camera-equipped bronchoscope with ultrasound through the mouth and into the lung.

The Lung Center is an integral part of our state-of-the-art Cancer Center and American College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer accredited cancer program which also offers cancer navigation, the latest in chemotherapy treatments and radiation oncology technology, clinical research trials, and supportive and integrative programs.

Learn More About The Comprehensive Lung Center

For more information, please call (415) 750-5877. For a physician referral, call (866) 914-3627 or use our search tool to  Find a Doctor.