Early detection is especially important when it comes to lung cancer because it is the second most common cancer in both men and women, behind prostate cancer and breast cancer, respectively. The five-year survival rate for people with all stages of lung cancer is 19 percent, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). And more than half of people with lung cancer die within one year of being diagnosed, according to the American Lung Association.

Early detection and intervention can help improve these statistics.

New Early Detection Technology

You could be at risk for lung cancer if you have a history of smoking or other pulmonary issues. Your primary care physician may recommend a CT scan, and if the scan reveals a spot on the lung, it might need to be biopsied.

Texas Health offers advanced robotic screening technology designed to access areas deep within the lung that are unable to be reached through traditional diagnostic tests. This robotic screening technology allows physicians on the medical staff to guide the robot on a pre-planned navigation path directly to the spot that appeared on the CT scan.

A preliminary pathology report is given at the time of the procedure, with the full report given to patients in three days or less.

In addition to accessing areas in the lung that were formerly too difficult to reach, robotic-assisted lung screening technology allows physicians to provide a diagnosis and talk through treatment options – almost in a single step. Patients are typically told what was found during the biopsy and can discuss next steps before they even leave the hospital.

Are you a candidate?

If you recently learned you have a suspicious nodule on your lung, your doctor may recommend additional procedures to confirm a diagnosis. Ask your physician if robotic-assisted lung screening is an option for determining diagnosis and next steps.

Robotic Lung Biopsy -- Texas Health Fort Worth