Thoracic oncology and lung cancer screening programs
The Thoracic Oncology Program within the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, is an important clinical and academic resource for the evaluation and management of patients with suspected or known thoracic malignancies. Our expert pulmonologists work closely with other specialists for the diagnosis and management of lung cancer, in addition to the evaluation of pulmonary nodules and complex pulmonary conditions that arise in the setting of cancer and cancer therapy.
Expertise That Spans the Spectrum of Thoracic Disease
Our pulmonologists are leaders in thoracic oncology and serve as a critical entry point for patients across the cancer care continuum. Their clinical focus includes:
- Lung cancer screening
- Lung cancer diagnosis and management
- Pulmonary nodule evaluation, including surveillance, risk stratification and diagnostic procedures.
- Pulmonary complications in patients with malignancy, including immunotherapy- or chemotherapy-related lung disease
- Co-morbid pulmonary diseases evaluation and management
- Specialized care for evaluation of pulmonary disease before and after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)
This last area reflects a particular strength of our program. Patients who have undergone HSCT are often medically complex and may develop rare or difficult-to-diagnose respiratory complications. Our pulmonologists bring deep experience and focused research in this area, allowing us to deliver highly specialized care informed by the latest evidence.
Lung Cancer Screening Program
Early detection saves lives. Our Lung Cancer Screening Program provides low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals, following USPSTF and NCCN guidelines. Candidates are typically between ages 50–80 with a history of significant tobacco exposure.
In addition to imaging, we offer:
- Multispecialty review of all scans
- Risk assessment and tailored follow-up plans
- Integration with smoking cessation services
- Patient education and shared decision-making tools
Patients enrolled in our screening program receive long-term surveillance and care from a team that understands both the medical and emotional complexity of lung cancer risk.
More details are available about this service at the Lung Cancer Screening Program at Karmanos
Advanced Diagnostics and Interventions
Accurate diagnosis and staging are critical in thoracic oncology. We offer a full range of procedures and technologies, including:
- Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
- Electromagnetic Navigational and Robot Assisted Bronchoscopy
- Pleural procedures
Details about the advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures provided by our experts are outlined at our Interventional Pulmonology Program page.
Multidisciplinary Tumor Board and Collaborative Care
At the heart of our program is our weekly thoracic tumor board, where pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists come together to review complex cases. This collaborative model ensures each treatment plan reflects the collective insight of the full care team—and that patients receive timely, coordinated interventions.
Clinical Research and Innovation
Our faculty are actively involved in clinical research, with specific interests in:
- The intersection of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and lung cancer
- Pulmonary complications of cancer and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
- Critical care in patients with malignancy
As part of an academic medical center, we are committed to advancing the field of thoracic oncology through research, education, and innovation.
Referrals and Contact Information
Our thoracic oncology pulmonologists are:
They work at conveniently located outpatient clinics at Karmanos Cancer Center, Detroit Medical Center and Wayne Health.