Overview
HNMC's Center for Lung Diseases provides the most advanced diagnostics and treatment for people with Lung Diseases.
- Computed tomography (CT Scan)
CT scanning is used to diagnose and stage lung cancer.
- Positron emission tomography (PET Scan)
PET scan is used to detect metabolic activity of a tumor and identify other areas of tumor spread. The highly sensitive PET scan picks up the metabolic signal of actively growing cancer cells in the body.
- Lung Biopsy
A lung biopsy obtains small samples of lung tissue for microscopic evaluation. There are several biopsy techniques that may be used, depending on the tumor size, location and the health status of the patient. Each patient is evaluated and the best approach determined.
- Bronchoscopic biopsy
After receiving sedation, a flexible tube is inserted through the mouth or nose to examine the airways. At the same time, a biopsy is performed.
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
A thin needle is inserted through the chest wall to obtain a sample of lung tissue. CT scan, ultrasound or flouroscopy are usually used to guide the needle to the desired location.
- Open Lung Biopsy
An open biopsy requires an incision between the ribs to obtain a direct inspection and biopsy of the lung. General anesthesia is required. An open biopsy is usually done when other methods of lung biopsy have not been successful, cannot be used, or when a larger piece of lung tissue is needed for a diagnosis.
- Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)
Is a less invasive surgical technique surgery that allows surgeons to directly inspect the lung and obtain the desired biopsy specimens.
- Mediastinoscopy
Is a surgical procedure to examine the area between the lungs to ascertain if lymph nodes are involved with cancer.
Diagnostic Pathology
Depending on the type and stage of the disease, lung cancer can be treated using surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, radiofrequency ablation, or a combination of these treatments.
- Wedge resection/Segmentectomy: a small section of the lung is removed
- Lobectomy: an entire section of the affected lung is removed
- Pneumonectomy: the entire affected lung is removed
- Chemoembolization
- Radioembolization
- Radio-frequency ablation (RFA)
- Chemotherapy may be given alone or in conjunction with radiation, or surgery.
Our radiation oncologists use the latest advances in Radiation Oncology therapies to treat various forms of lung cancer. Eligible patients may receive these new therapies, including stereotactic body radiation (SBRT), which often require fewer treatments than older forms of radiation therapy and deliver the highest possible radiation dose targeted precisely to the tumor while minimizing radiation exposure to normal lung tissue and other organs in the chest.
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
- Respiratory Gated Radiation Therapy
- High dose-rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
Other Pulmonary Services
- Pulmonary Function Lab
Our doctors use advanced physiology testing to diagnose and treat lung disease. Pulmonary function tests (PFT's) diagnose and quantitate reactive airway lung disease, airway obstruction, restrictive lung disease, or interstitial lung disease.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Through a specialized exercise and education program, the goal of pulmonary rehabilitations is to improve the overall function of a person with lung disease and increase their ability to perform regular daily activities without experiencing shortness of breath.
- Sleep Medicine
The Northern New Jersey Center for Sleep Medicine at Holy Name Medical Center provides expert analysis of sleep disorders. It is conducted during a pleasant overnight stay at the Medical Center's hotel-like, state-of-the-art sleep laboratory. The Northern New Jersey Center for Sleep Medicine at Holy Name Medical Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and is directed by Pulmonologists and Internists who are board-certified in sleep medicine.
- Smoking Cessation
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the world today. At Holy Name Medical Center, we are committed to reducing tobacco usage in our community.
Are you ready to quit smoking, or even think about quitting? You can do it and we are here to help.