Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a disease caused by the rapid growth and division of cells that make up the lungs. Lung cancer is sometimes called “bronchogenic cancer,” or it may be described by its particular histologic type, which is the type of tissue that is diseased.

Under normal circumstances, lung cells reproduce in an orderly fashion to maintain tissue health and to repair injuries. However, when growth control is lost and cells divide too much and too fast, a cellular mass—or tumor—is formed. If the tumor is confined to a few cell layers (for example, surface cells) and it does not invade surrounding tissues or organs, it is considered benign. By contrast, if the tumor spreads to surrounding tissues or organs, it is considered malignant, or cancerous. Pulmonary and Sleep Specialists of Northeast Georgia has taken the lead in the area to fight lung cancer through partnering with Northeast Georgia Healthcare System and initiating one of the state’s largest lung cancer screening programs. This program currently performs screening at three key locations, Gainesville, Braselton, and Winder where lung cancer is very prevalent in the state of Georgia. More locations are in the plan to be added. Since initiated, thousands of screens have been completed and many lives have been saved.

Dr. Rami Arfoosh has initiated and currently moderates the multi-disciplinary chest board meeting at NGHS. This board consists of a panel of several physicians from different specialties including pulmonary, thoracic surgery, oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, radiology, and interventional radiology. Any screening findings that are suspicious for lung cancer goes through this panel to review and make the best recommendations possible regarding the next step. To learn more about this program, please visit www.nghs.com/lung-screening