Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital Lung Nodule Program

To improve lung cancer outcomes, we provide extensive, multidisciplinary care with a focus on early detection, state-of-the-art diagnostics, and high-quality treatments.

Contact us: Visit our website to learn more about our lung program and our services.

Phone Number 606.679.7441

Web Address LakeCumberlandHospital.com/lung

Our Location 305 Langdon St, Somerset, KY 42503

The lung nodule program at LCRH greatly enhances our ability to identify even the smallest lesions, which is key to improving health outcomes, especially with a disease like lung cancer. It’s taking interventional pulmonology to a whole new level, enabling us to treat our patients in the best way possible.

Dr. Sandy Schuldheisz Medical Director, Interventional Pulmonary Surgery Program

Incidental Lung Nodule Program Lake Cumberland Regional Hosptial's lung cancer program is committed to finding better, faster ways to detect and diagnose lung cancer. Our team of experts is using new software to track patients with lung nodules and a new robot to provide minimally invasive biopsies. These technologies are designed to improve patient care and outcomes.

Meet Our Medical Team

What is the Incidental Lung Nodule Program?

Lung cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States, and catching it early dramatically improves the chances of survival and even cure. At LCRH, we are committed to the early detection of lung cancer.

National studies show that about a third of all CT scans reveal an incidental finding.

Because of this, the Incidental Lung Nodule Program was developed to identify patients with incidental nodules through artificial intelligence software.

The Incidental Lung Nodule Program uses software to scan all CT scan reports from patients. It flags predefined keywords, such as nodule, mass, lesion, and lung, to help identify patients with potential lung nodules.

Based on imaging results, the patient may receive recommendations for additional CT scans, a biopsy, or a consult with pulmonary medicine.

If a nodule is determined to be cancer, lung cancer navigators help guide patients through the cancer treatment process and coordinate care.

A Multidisciplinary Care Team Approach If a lung nodule is picked up during a CT scan, a software system will alert the lung nodule team.

Minimally Invasive Lung Surgery In coordination with the Incidental Lung Nodule Program, a new robotic tool allows for minimally invasive and more accurate lung biopsies. Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital has implemented the Ion endoluminal system, a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform that strives to advance lung care.

Patients who need evaluation by the nodule clinic will be offered an appointment.

A pulmonary specialist will evaluate them, and a plan will be established according to guidelines, including a wide variety of diagnostic and treatment options depending on the characteristics of the nodule.

When imaging reveals a concerning lung nodule, a biopsy may be needed for an accurate diagnosis. Through this minimally invasive technology, robotic bronchoscopy offers a safer, quicker approach that is adaptable to the needs of patients, including those with high-risk lung conditions.

To help diagnose cancer as soon as possible, the robot provides exceptional accuracy and precision during a biopsy. The robot allows the medical team to reach more precise locations within the lungs, providing easier access to peripheral areas near the heart, by large blood vessels, or deep in the chest. Because the machine can hold its position, it frees up the surgeon's hands and allows them to make adjustments during the procedure and biopsies, all while maintaining precision and control. With this technology, LCRH strives to support finding answers faster along a less invasive path to diagnosis.

Sandy Schuldheisz, MD Medical Director, Interventional Pulmonary Surgery Program

Michael Citak, MD Chief Medical Officer

Mateen Ahmed, MD Pulmonologist

Jessica Simpson, RN Patient Navigator