Out-of-office services and procedures
The following services and procedures are performed outside the office to help diagnose and/or treat lung conditions:
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique. In PET, radioisotopes (compounds containing radioactive agents) are introduced into the body for the purpose of imaging, evaluating organ function, or locating disease or tumors. Radioisotopes are usually injected into the bloodstream.
After the radioisotope is administered, there will be a waiting period while the radioisotope concentrates in the tissue of interest. You will be asked to rest quietly during this time.
PET images are created by detecting radiation from tiny particles called positrons, which are emitted by the radioisotope given to you before the procedure. Special detector cameras will focus on the area of interest, and once enough radiation is detected, a computer will create an image showing where the isotope is inside the body. The scanning process may take 30 to 45 minutes.
You may be asked to fast overnight before the test. Your doctor will inform you of any special preparation required.
X-ray
A chest X-ray (X-ray) is the most common diagnostic X-ray. A chest X-ray is useful for evaluating the lungs, heart, and chest wall, and may be used to diagnose or monitor emphysema, pneumonia, heart disease, lung cancer, and certain other medical conditions.
The X-ray is a painless procedure that takes a few minutes. No special preparation is required.
Computed tomography (CT)
A computed tomography (CT) scan takes more detailed pictures than a standard X-ray. During a CT scan, cross-sectional images are created of the chest structures in your body, including your lungs, heart, and the bones and tissues around these areas.
A CT scan is a painless and non-invasive procedure. Preparation for the test takes about 10 minutes, and the CT scan takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Fiber optic bronchoscopy
Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a narrow, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end is inserted through your nose or mouth into your lungs. This provides a picture of your airways and also allows your doctor to collect samples of lung tissue. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy can be done as a diagnostic procedure (to learn more about a problem) or as a therapeutic procedure (to treat an existing problem).
A topical or local anesthetic will be sprayed into your mouth and throat before the procedure. You can also get IV medication to help you relax. Some tests may require fasting beforehand, as well as an overnight stay in hospital. Your doctor may have additional preparation requests.
Transbronchial needle and forceps – biopsy
During a bronchoscopy, tiny needles or forceps may be inserted through the bronchoscope to collect tissue samples from your lungs. Your doctor will guide you about your breathing rate as small samples of lung tissue are taken. Usually, this step is repeated until enough samples are collected.
An imaging technique called fluoroscopy may be used to help guide the forceps and/or needle to the desired area of the lung. The fluoroscope is a large machine consisting of an x-ray source and a fluorescent screen, with the patient positioned between these devices. The X-ray is then focused on the target area and the images are highlighted and displayed on a monitor to improve the doctor's view during the procedure. The display may also incorporate a video camera, which records the images as they are played in real time.
Bronchial dilatation and stenting
Occasionally, treatments such as dilation and stenting can be performed during bronchoscopy. Dilatation involves widening the airways, while stenting is used to relieve narrowing of the airways. A flexible bronchoscope is usually used for these procedures. If a rigid bronchoscope is used, general anesthesia will probably be needed.