UPMC Lung Nodule Program

UPMC’s Lung Nodule Program comprises physicians and nurses who work collaboratively and efficiently to manage all forms of lung nodules.

The program includes pulmonary specialists, thoracic surgeons, and radiologists who work together to provide:

A thorough review of chest imaging and evaluation of the lung nodule.
Diagnostic and treatment plans specifically designed to meet your care needs.
Rapid initiation of a treatment plan.
State-of-the-art diagnostic technologies.

In accordance with your diagnosis, our team will formulate an individualized treatment plan and guide you to the correct specialists for further care.

Contact the Pulmonary Nodule Clinic

Schedule an appointment or learn more about our program at UPMC Presbyterian or UPMC Shadyside.

(412) 687-3355
puhshylungnodule@upmc.edu

What Is a Pulmonary Nodule?

A pulmonary nodule is a spot in the lung that is detected on a chest x-ray or CT scan.

While most lung nodules are benign and are from old scars, prior infections, or a variety of other inflammatory causes, some of these nodules are due to cancer, especially in people with certain risk factors. Concerning nodules require further investigation and possibly treatment.

How Is a Nodule Discovered?

Incidental nodules

Pulmonary nodules typically do not cause any symptoms, so they are often discovered by the radiology team when imaging is performed for other medical complaints.

Symptoms that may occur include:

Chest discomfort.
Cough that does not resolve after a few months.>
Coughing up blood.
Shortness of breath.
Weight loss, fevers.

When an incidental nodule is identified, you will be referred to our team for the appropriate follow up and next steps.

Screening

Research demonstrates that screening patients who are at higher risk for lung cancer using a low-dose CT scan of the chest significantly reduces mortality as these nodules are detected at an earlier stage, when they are easier to treat. A low-dose lung cancer screening CT is a type of CT scan that helps doctors discover pulmonary nodules using 80% less radiation than a normal CT scan.

To be eligible for a lung cancer screening CT you must:

Be between 50 and 80 years of age.
Be a current smoker or have quit within the past 15 years.
Have a 20 pack-year history of smoking – One pack per day for a year is equivalent to one pack year; two packs per day for a year is equal to two pack years.
Not be currently undergoing treatment for lung cancer and willing to undergo further testing and care.

Learn more about UPMC’s Lung Cancer Screening Program.

What to Expect

You should start by talking to your primary care provider or scheduling an appointment at the UPMC Comprehensive Lung Center to discuss your qualifications for a lung cancer screening CT.

If it’s determined that you qualify for a scan, an order will be placed. No special preparation or fasting is needed. The scan uses no dyes or injections, and nothing needs to be swallowed. The screening CT scan is a quick, painless, noninvasive procedure that takes under one minute, with the whole appointment lasting less than 30 minutes.

Once the scan is completed, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled with a member of the Lung Cancer Screening team to discuss the results in detail, answer any questions, and determine if any further testing is needed.

Treatment

Depending on the nodule and the results of diagnostic testing, treatment may involve anything from follow-up imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Follow-up imaging or referrals to the appropriate specialist will be coordinated by the lung nodule program to assist patients with rapid treatment when appropriate.

Our Team

Our team comprises experts from pulmonology, thoracic surgery, and thoracic radiology.

Locations

UPMC Presbyterian
200 Lothrop St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

UPMC Shadyside
5230 Centre Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232