Prior to creating our Lung Nodule Program, the average patient with lung cancer in the Central Valley waited almost three months for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Part of this delay was the complexity of decisions and the need for multiple specialists to be involved in the decisions. 

When faced with a possible malignancy or tumor, one of the most overwhelming aspects of the process is navigating through the multitude of doctor appointments and procedures. Not only can it be a challenge to coordinate, but it can waste valuable time.

The most important patient benefit our Lung Nodule Program provides is that it moves you through this process in an expedited manner.

The program is managed by a multidisciplinary (physicians with different specialties) team of the following specialties:

• Thoracic surgeons
• Pulmonologists 
• Radiation oncologists 
• Medical oncologists 
• Diagnostic, vascular and interventional radiologists 
• Endoscopists
• Pathologists

Our collaborative program was developed by physicians from Community Regional Medical Center and UCSF Fresno to expedite your evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of lung nodules and lesions.

Each week, our team of specialists meet to evaluate, diagnose and treat referred patients. By combining the expertise of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, radiologists, radiation and medical oncologists and pathologists in one gathering, the amount of time spent from detection to treatment is reduced significantly.

For accepted patients, the program offers the following services:

• Diagnostic or baseline computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Complete evaluation, diagnosis and recommendation within one week of presentation to the program.
• Management of follow up visits
• Ongoing collaborative communication with referring physicians
• Patient education
• Coordination of care with multiple specialists from the following disciplines:
• Pulmonology
• Radiology 
• Thoracic Surgery 
• Medical Oncology 
• Radiation Oncology 
• Pathology 
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation 
• Physical Therapy

Another significant benefit of our Lung Nodule Program is that a patient's care, from first appointment to "follow ups," is managed by our nurse coordinator. This formal coordination of care ultimately can alleviate the anxiety for the patient and their family and offer peace of mind.

For more information, please call (559) 224-LUNG.