Lung Nodule Program

Fort Sanders Regional’s robotic-assisted bronchoscopy helps detect cancer earlier.

A Regional Leader in Lung Care

Patients in our region have a significantly higher rate of new lung cancer diagnoses compared to the national average. Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional is the first hospital in East Tennessee to implement robotic-assisted bronchoscopy technology. Patients who need a procedure to determine whether a lung mass or lung nodule(s) is cancerous are referral candidates.

Our program has a patient-centric approach. A designated lung nodule navigator helps patients who are receiving care, supporting individualized plan outcomes and providing referring physicians with progress updates.

Finding Lung Cancer Earlier

Our specialized team is focused on detecting lung cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. While most lung nodules are not cancerous, monitoring incidental findings can help determine if additional testing is needed. Studies show early detection of lung cancer, along with timely initiation of treatment, greatly impacts patient outcomes.

Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy

Less anesthesia required
Smaller incisions and reduced scarring
Improved accuracy
Less blood loss
Less pain
Shorter length of stay
Faster recovery and lower risk of infection

Lung Cancer Screenings

Lung nodules are discovered through various types of screenings. Some may be found through a regular imaging scan in an emergency, inpatient, outpatient or primary care setting.

However, low-dose CT scans are recommended as an optimal tool for lung cancer screening. Low-dose scans are generally recommended for people ages 50-77 who have smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, have a past history of cancer, or have been exposed to potentially carcinogenic substances.

Covenant Health offers Lung Cancer Screenings at multiple locations throughout our region.

Why Choose Our Lung Nodule Program?

Patient-Centric Approach

Our lung nodule navigator assists in communication and patient education, empowering individuals to actively participate in healthcare decisions and fostering trust and peace of mind.
Multidisciplinary Approach

Our team of experienced pulmonologists, radiologists, surgeons and oncologists collaborate seamlessly to provide comprehensive evaluation and management of lung nodules.
State-of-the-Art Technology

Equipped with cutting-edge imaging technology, including high-resolution CT scans and robotic navigational bronchoscopy (a robotic-assisted platform for minimally invasive peripheral lung biopsy), we ensure accurate and precise treatment of even the smallest nodules.
Tailored Treatment Plans

We understand that every patient is unique. Our team crafts individualized treatment plans that include nodule characteristics along with patient history and preferences to achieve the best possible outcomes.