SGMC Health recently launched a Lung Nodule Clinic, a specialized center dedicated to the timely evaluation and treatment of pulmonary nodules, often the earliest indicators of lung cancer. This initiative marks a significant expansion of SGMC Health’s comprehensive lung care services and underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care.
Led by expert pulmonologists and critical care specialists Vivek Yadav, MD, and Apurva Panwala, MD, and cardiothoracic surgeon Guilherme de Oliveira, MD, the Lung Nodule Clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach to lung health, combining advanced diagnostics, robotic-assisted procedures, and coordinated care from a team of pulmonologists, radiologists, thoracic surgeons, oncologists, and a lung navigator.
“Early detection saves lives,” said Dr. Panwala. “Our goal is to identify and evaluate lung nodules quickly and accurately, ensuring patients receive the most effective treatment options without delay.”
The Lung Nodule Clinic is designed to support patients through every step of care, from incidental findings on imaging to personalized treatment plans. Sierra Snow-Edwards, the lung navigator, ensures seamless coordination, while the clinic’s structured follow-up protocols reduce missed diagnoses and improve survival rates.
Patients who meet the eligibility criteria for lung cancer screening—ages 50 to 77, current smokers or those who quit within the past 15 years, and individuals with a 20 pack/year smoking history—can receive a referral from their primary care provider for a low-dose CT scan. These scans are the gold standard for detecting lung nodules early, often before symptoms appear. SGMC Health offers this screening at SGMC Health Main, Lanier, and Berrien campuses, ensuring convenient access for eligible patients across the region. If areas of concern are found on the scan, a biopsy is scheduled.
To support the next phase of care, SGMC Health implemented the Ion robotic bronchoscopy system, a state-of-the-art technology that enables minimally invasive biopsies of hard-to-reach lung nodules. SGMC Health became the first in the region to perform robotic-assisted lung biopsies using the Ion platform, which features an ultra-thin, flexible catheter capable of navigating deep into the lungs with precision. The Ion system allows SGMC Health to expedite diagnosis, improve access to tissue samples for early-stage lung cancer, and enhance patient outcomes through minimally invasive procedures.
According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with early-stage disease often presenting no symptoms. SGMC Health’s Lung Nodule Clinic aims to change that narrative by offering proactive screening and rapid intervention.
For more information, visit sgmc.org.