CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS
We offer new and advanced medical and surgical options for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
INTERVENTIONAL PULMONOLOGY SERVICES
Our physicians are highly trained and experienced Interventional Pulmonologists that deliver advanced, minimally-invasive bronchoscopy techniques.
The bronchoscope allows us to deliver laser and other cancer-killing technologies to tumors buried deep inside the lungs. As a result, we can manage symptoms like bleeding, or coughing, open up a blocked airway, and treat a very early stage lung cancer or a previously treated area.
Bronchoscopy is a sophisticated technology that uses a flexible tube with camera at the end allowing the visualization of the inside of the lungs and airways to treat lung conditions.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST VISIT
Your first visit will encompass a full diagnostic evaluation, including, but not limited to:
- Interview, intake, full history, and physical
- Lung functions are measured and analyzed with patient using live or virtual spirometry techniques
- Review of all imaging and radiological studies
- Full plan of care is developed the same day with goals to achieve the earliest, most effective therapy to support lung health specifically and the body as a whole.
LUNG CONDITIONS WE TREAT
The cause of symptoms including wheezing, coughing and labored breathing is identified. Lung nodules and lung abnormalities are evaluated and sampled to determine their origins to allow other specialists to treat them effectively and specifically. Among all pulmonary diseases addressed, some specific are as follows:
Primary lung cancer is a type of cancer, usually in the form of a mass, that begins in the lungs. As the cancer cells grow, they interfere with the function of the lungs eventually impeding normal breathing and the oxygenation of the blood. Lung cancer can also be a secondary cancer, which means that the cancer from another part of the body has traveled to the lungs, also known as metastatic lung cancer.
Recently, guidelines for screening have been modified to allow an annual screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for people who are at high risk for developing lung cancer. High risk patients include individuals aged 55 to 74 who have smoked for 30 years or more, who continue to smoke or who have quit in the past 15 years.
The goal of lung cancer screening is to use LDCT scans to help identify lung masses or anomalies early, and offer treatment when the disease is potentially curable. Lung Health Services is a strong advocate for high risk patients receiving annual lung cancer screenings so that we can cure lung cancer together!
Pleural and Mediastinal Disorders are lung conditions that affect the thoracic cavity of the lungs. Although pleural and mediastinal disorders differ in their severity and treatment, they both share symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, weight loss, and chest pain. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to contact Lung Health Services as soon as possible for a swift diagnosis and treatment plan.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MEDIASTINAL DISORDERS
A lung nodule is a small mass of tissue in the lung often referred to as a “spot on the lung” or a “shadow” when seen on an X-ray or CT Scan. Round or oval in shape, a lung nodule can be an incidental finding during a normal/routine chest x-ray. There are two main types of lung nodules: benign and malignant. Pulmonary nodules are smaller than 3 cm (or 1.2 inches). If the lesion is measured to be larger than 3 cm, it becomes known as a lung or pulmonary mass. Most lung nodules are benign; however, the larger growths are more likely to be malignant.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is an umbrella term that refers to a large group of disorders that causes progressive scarring of the lung tissue. The progressive nature of the disease eventually affects the ability of the lungs to function properly. Interstitial lung disease is also known as restrictive lung disease, meaning that the disease inhibits a patients ability to breathe effectively and efficiently through the scarring of the lungs. Patients with ILD can develop breathing difficulties which causes lower oxygen saturation in the blood. When and if this occurs, patients may require supplemental oxygen therapy.
Pulmonary fibrosis refers to a family of diseases that cause scarring in the lung tissue over time. There can be many causes of pulmonary fibrosis; however, the most common form is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, meaning the cause is unknown. The fibrous scar tissue eventually impairs the lungs ability to function and oxygenate the blood.
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that is distinguished by collections of granuloma cells in any part of the body, but most commonly in the lungs and lymph nodes. In some cases, sarcoidosis may go away in time and most people do well without treatment or very little treatment. In certain individuals, sarcoidosis may last for years and the chronic inflammation can cause lung scarring and thickening.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PULMONARY SARCOIDOSIS
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD, is a general term which refers to a group of lung conditions characterized by chronic inflammation that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are examples of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders and can cause difficulty breathing, cough, excess mucus production and wheezing. COPD is a progressive lung condition that can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COPD
Bronchiectasis is a lung disease affecting the small airways and has notable similarities to COPD causing a thickening, weakening and scarring of the inner surfaces of the bronchi. During breathing, air travels within the lungs through airways called bronchi. Bronchiectasis causes the walls of the bronchi to become scarred and unable to efficiently drain mucus secretions causing mucus to build up and become a breeding ground for germs. The inability to clear excess mucus secretions affects the function of the cilia, which are tiny, thin hair-like structures that aid in the movement of mucus. This can eventually affect the function of the lungs causing more difficulty breathing. Bronchiectasis may gradually worsen over time, so it is important to see a lung health specialist to monitor and manage the symptoms and implement treatment when it is needed.
Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disorder that is characterized by mucus that is too thick or sticky. This mucus traps bacteria and blocks airways, and ultimately causes difficulty breathing, digestive issues, and increased risk of infection. At Lung Health Services, we aim to diagnose and treat individuals with Cystic Fibrosis as carefully and effectively as possible.
While Cystic Fibrosis can affect many different organs in the body, the disease can have a particularly damaging effect on lung health.
Emphysema is a lung condition which is characterized by the weakening and rupturing of the inner walls of the air sacs (alveoli). The air sacs become damaged and unable to fully and efficiently exhale air. With old air remaining in the lungs, new, oxygen-rich air has limited space. This condition can cause shortness of breath.
Chronic bronchitis is another form of airway obstruction in which the bronchial tubes become inflamed and narrow causing the lungs to produce more mucus. The excess mucus production causes persistent coughing. If you have been diagnosed with emphysema or chronic bronchitis, Lung Health Services of Lansdale, PA can help guide a treatment plan for you. If you are not local to Philadelphia, we offer virtual consultations through a secure telemedicine platform. We are happy to work collaboratively with your local pulmonologist and general physicians to develop the treatment plan that will be the most effective for these lung conditions and the best for you, call (267) 500-5027.
Asthma is a lung condition that causes the bronchioles of the airway to swell, narrow and produce extra mucus. Asthma can make breathing more challenging for a patient; however, there are many treatment modalities that can help manage the symptoms of asthma and control the flare-ups. For some people, asthma is a minor issue and others may have asthma and asthma attacks that can interfere with daily activities and even be life threatening. It is important to know what triggers your asthma and try to avoid it.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH), is a complex and often misunderstood disease. The term PH means high blood pressure in the lungs. In “regular” hypertension (also known as high blood pressure or “systemic hypertension) the pressure in the arteries throughout the body is higher than it should be. This can be measured with a blood pressure cuff. In PH, the blood vessels specifically in the lungs are affected. They can become stiff, damaged or narrow, and the right side of the heart must work harder to pump blood through.
A lung infection can be caused by a bacteria, virus or a fungus and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. There are several types of lung conditions that can be caused by a lung infection. A common type is pneumonia, which causes inflammation in the air sacs of one or both lungs.