Improved Lung Cancer Diagnosis
by Randall Dustin, Communications Director, Central Maine Medical CenterLewiston, Maine
Endobronchial ultrasound is a recent and important addition to the diagnostic capabilities of pulmonologists,” says Evan L. Ramser, D.O., of Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates, a clinical department of Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Maine. “With the new imaging system, pulmonologists can better view and take samples of suspected tumors, and more accurately stage cancers, which often leads to more effective treatment and better outcomes for patients.”
The Olympus BF-UC160F ultrasonic videobronchoscope allows trained pulmonologists to precisely visualize the bronchial wall and structures surrounding the airways, locate tumors, and use small bore needles to remove tissue samples. When used with patients with suspected early-stage cancer, EBUS can reveal local tumor extension or lymph node cancer that may elude other imaging methods. Lymph-node cancer can be confirmed by EBUS-guided transbronchial needle removal of tissue samples.
The BF-UC160F’s small probes are constructed with balloons at the tip. By filling the balloon with water, close contact to the bronchial wall is established. The water transmits the sound waves into the surrounding structures. The water enhances the transmission of sound waves so very precise images can be created on the video screen. Using ultrasound as a guide, tissue samples from lymph nodes located between the lungs can be removed under direct visualization. This improves the accuracy of the biopsy and can in turn prevent the need for more complicated surgical procedures otherwise required for cancer staging.
EBUS is a new and exciting tool available in the treatment of lung disease and lung cancer. And while the general experience with EBUS is limited nationwide, no significant side effects or complications from the use of this equipment is being reported in the medical literature. It adds to the already expansive array of interventional procedures available. On the treatment end, pulmonolgists also utilize airways stents, Nd:YAG lasers and Argon Plasma coagulators to keep airways open in the setting of airway obstruction secondary to cancer. Therefore, with the addition of EBUS, they can offer their patients the greatest number of options for the diagnosis and local treatment of airway tumors in a minimally invasive fashion.
“Endobronchial ultrasound is becoming a routine procedure and I expect it will become an increasingly important tool for pulmonologists,” Dr. Ramser says.
For more information about endobronchial ultrasound at CMMC, call Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates at 795-5544. Central Maine Medical Center is located in Lewiston, a geographic and economic hub for central and western Maine. As a tertiary healthcare center, CMMC offers a host of sophisticated services, including cardiac surgery and comprehensive cancer care. CMMC supports a designated trauma center and LifeFlight of Maine's Lewiston base. With these vital emergency response and critical care transport capabilities, CMMC serves a huge region of Maine. CMMC also supports a number of primary care and specialty care practices for patients of all ages. The Medical Center's inpatient nursing units deliver outstanding care. But there is much more... explore https://www.cmhc.org/cmmc and learn about all that CMMC has to offer.
Herb's Tips and More
-
Never take any herb identity for granted. The best way to be sure that you are using the right kind of herb is by buying it. -
Did you know that you can make soap, candles and lotion with your herbs? -
Never take any herb identity for granted. The best way to be sure that you are using the right kind of herb is by buying it.
