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Dignity Health in Nevada Lung Health and Prevention

Lung Health and Advanced Care

 

Dignity Health offers specialized care for a full spectrum of respiratory diseases. Our skilled pulmonologists provide expert diagnosis, management, and treatment for conditions including lung cancer, pneumonia, asthma, COPD (emphysema), tuberculosis, and challenging chest infections, helping you breathe easier.

What is Lung Health

Lung health refers to the overall well-being and efficient functioning of your respiratory system. It's about your lungs' ability to effectively take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, a vital process that fuels every cell in your body. Healthy lungs allow you to breathe easily, participate in daily activities without struggle, and support your overall physical energy and vitality.

When your lungs are healthy, they are strong, clear, and resilient, capable of fighting off infections and recovering from environmental challenges. Good lung health is fundamental to a high quality of life, enabling you to live actively and fully.

Conditions We Diagnosis and Treat

Conditions We Diagnosis and Treat

At Dignity Health, our devoted team of lung health specialists is equipped to diagnose, manage, and treat a wide spectrum of respiratory conditions. We are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs, helping you breathe easier and live a healthier life.

Some of the common and complex lung conditions we expertly address include:

  • Lung Cancer: Delivering advanced diagnostics and multidisciplinary treatment plans for various forms of lung cancer, from early detection to advanced care. Our expertise covers:

    • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type of lung cancer, often encompassing adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas.
    • Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): An aggressive type of lung cancer that tends to grow and spread more quickly than NSCLC.
    • Carcinoid Tumors: A rare type of lung tumor that typically grows slowly and may not spread quickly.
    • Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleura), often linked to asbestos exposure. (Please note: Treatment availability for Mesothelioma may vary by facility; consult with our team for specifics.)
  • Pneumonia: Providing effective treatment and recovery strategies for acute lung infections that can impair breathing.

  • Asthma: Developing personalized management plans to control symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with this chronic airway inflammatory disease.
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), including Emphysema: Offering comprehensive care to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and enhance breathing for those with chronic airway limitation.
  • Tuberculosis (TB): Specializing in the diagnosis and long-term treatment of this bacterial lung infection.
  • Challenging Chest Infections: Addressing severe or recurrent respiratory infections that require specialized medical attention and advanced therapeutic approaches.

Our goal is to accurately identify your condition and provide the most effective, personalized care plan to promote your respiratory health and overall well-being.

Early Signs & Symptoms of Lung Cancer to Watch For

Understanding the potential signs and symptoms of lung cancer is crucial, as early detection can significantly improve outcomes. It's important to remember that early-stage lung cancer often presents with no symptoms, making regular screenings vital for high-risk individuals.

Lung cancer isn't a single disease, but rather a complex group of cancers that originate in the lungs. The primary cause of lung cancer is chronic exposure to harmful substances. Key lung cancer risk factors include:

  • Tobacco smoke: Both active smoking and prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke are leading causes.
  • Radon gas: A naturally occurring radioactive gas found in some homes.
  • Asbestos and other carcinogens: Exposure to certain workplace chemicals and environmental toxins.
  • Family history of lung cancer.
  • Previous radiation therapy to the chest.

If you're concerned about your risk factors or experiencing any of these signs, contact Dignity Health for an evaluation with our pulmonology experts.

Lungs Human Respiratory System Anatomy

Early Lung Cancer Detection & Advanced Diagnostic Testing

The sobering truth about lung cancer is that the lungs themselves have very few pain receptors. This means that by the time symptoms like pain develop, the cancer may have already reached a more advanced stage. Early detection of lung cancer significantly expands personalized treatment options, leading to higher success rates and better patient outcomes. At Dignity Health, our focus is on finding lung cancer as early as possible.

Low-Dose CT (LDCT) Lung Cancer Screening

The gold standard for early lung cancer detection is a Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan. This quick, non-invasive screening test is specifically designed to identify potential cancerous growths in individuals at high risk for the disease. LDCT screening is crucial for both current and former smokers, but it can also detect lung cancer in high-risk individuals who have never smoked. Talk to your doctor to see if you qualify for LDCT screening.

Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan of lungs

ION Robotic Bronchoscopy

If an LDCT scan or other imaging reveals a suspicious lung nodule, timely and accurate diagnosis is critical. Our skilled Pulmonology and Thoracic Specialists utilize cutting-edge tools like the ION robotic bronchoscopy system for precise and minimally invasive lung nodule biopsies.

The ION system allows our pulmonologists to navigate to even small, hard-to-reach nodules deep within the lung with unparalleled accuracy, enabling earlier and more definitive diagnosis than traditional methods. This advanced technology helps us get you answers faster, guiding subsequent treatment decisions with greater confidence.

 

minimally invasive ION robotic-assisted bronchoscopy

Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)

When a suspicious lung nodule or enlarged lymph node is detected, an accurate and timely diagnosis is paramount.

At Dignity Health, we utilize the state-of-the-art Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) procedure – a minimally invasive technique that provides unparalleled diagnostic precision for various lung conditions, especially in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer.

 

 

Lung Cancer diagnostic procedure Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)

When to See a Doctor for Lung Symptoms in Nevada

While a single symptom doesn't always indicate a serious condition, it's essential to consult a doctor if you experience multiple or persistent lung cancer symptoms over time.

It is recommended to seek medical advice if you notice:

  • A persistent cough that worsens or doesn't go away, especially if it produces rust-colored sputum or blood.
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing, particularly during mild activity.
  • Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness.
  • Recurrent respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, or emphysema.
  • Chest pain: A new or worsening pain that may be dull, aching, or sharp.
  • Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.
  • Bone pain (indicating potential spread).
  • Chronic fatigue.

Where to Get Lung Care

Finding the right care for your lungs is a crucial step towards better health. If you are experiencing symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or have concerns about a pre-existing lung condition, our compassionate team at Dignity Health is here to help.

We offer comprehensive diagnostic services and personalized treatment plans right here in the Las Vegas area.

Ready to connect with our experts?

  • Schedule an Appointment: Call us directly at (702) 675-3240.
  • Locate Us: Visit the map below for locations and directions

Dignity Health Care for Lung, Cardiovascular, and Thoracic