Your lungs keep you moving, breathing and living life to the fullest, but lung cancer can grow quietly, sometimes without obvious symptoms. Paying attention to changes in your breathing and getting screened early gives you the best chance to protect your health and take control.
Even if you don’t have the usual risk factors, like a long history of smoking or a family history of lung cancer, small changes in your breathing or other unusual symptoms are worth checking. Early scans can catch small nodules before they become serious, giving you more options and peace of mind.
Chirag Patel, MD, a thoracic surgeon at HonorHealth, stresses the importance of early detection and modern surgery. “Catching lung cancer early gives patients the best chance for successful treatment. Robotic surgery lets us remove tumors carefully with less impact on the patient,” says Dr. Patel.
Tiny tools, big precision
If a lung nodule is found, a biopsy is done to check if it is cancer and find out the type. Today, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is a less invasive way to get tissue samples. This technology lets doctors move through the lungs with precision, lowering risks and helping patients recover faster than traditional methods.
“Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy lets us reach parts of the lung that were hard to get to before,” says Dr. Patel. “It’s safer and allows for a faster recovery.”
Robotic surgery at work
Once the cancer type and stage are known, doctors choose the best treatment. For early-stage lung cancers, robotic-assisted surgery can remove tumors and nearby lymph nodes through small incisions. This means less anesthesia, faster healing and shorter hospital stays. Patients can return to daily life sooner while making sure the cancer is treated effectively.
Keeping an eye on it
After surgery, regular check-ups are important to watch for any signs of cancer returning. Early detection and minimally invasive surgery can lead to better results, fewer complications and peace of mind.
Take charge of your lung health
- Watch for small changes in your breathing or lung function
- Talk to your doctor about screenings even if you don’t have high-risk factors
- Ask about minimally invasive procedures if a nodule is found
Being proactive about your lung health gives you the best chance for successful treatment and a smooth recovery.
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