Ascension Northeast Wisconsin has two cancer centers offering compassionate lung cancer services

Convenient lung screenings in Wisconsin

At Ascension Wisconsin sites of care, we provide lung screenings and personalized care for lung cancer and lung nodules.
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A lung screening helps you and your doctor better understand your lung health. Getting a low-dose CT scan may help find lung nodules or cancer early, when it is most treatable. Finding cancer early means there may be more options for treatment too.  At Ascension Wisconsin sites of care, we deliver advanced screening and surveillance of lung nodules and cancer.

Talk to a doctor about a lung screening if you:

  • Are between age 50 and 80 
  • Currently smoke, or have quit within the past 15 years
  • Have smoked 2 packs daily for 10 years or 1 pack daily for 20 years
  • Do not currently have signs or symptoms of lung cancer

Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage before scheduling. Low-dose CT screening may be covered by various insurance plans as well as Medicare for those who meet certain high-risk criteria. If you have Medicare Part B and you meet certain qualifications, your screening may be covered. But you will need a referral from your doctor or other provider.

Understanding a low-dose CT screening

CT lung screenings use an X-ray generating device that rotates around your body to create cross-sectional images of the inside of your lungs. When you arrive for your test, you will change into a gown and lie on a table that slides in and out of a large tube, called a CT. It is a painless imaging test that takes only minutes to complete. Then, your radiologist reviews the images and prepares a report for your doctor. By getting a clear picture of your lung health, your doctor can create a care plan that’s right for you.

Advanced diagnostic technology

If a lung nodule is found during screening, our lung specialists at Ascension Wisconsin may recommend a minimally invasive biopsy using endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and navigational bronchoscopy or robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. These technologies help access hard to reach nodules in the lung and can improve the detection of early stage lung cancer — when it’s most treatable.

Once an 3D image-guided roadmap to your lung nodule is created, your lung specialist will use the robotic-assisted technology to guide a very thin catheter with a camera to deliver a real-time view of your airways as they navigate toward the nodule. Once the nodule is reached, the catheter will lock into place and your doctor will take a sample of your lung tissue for evaluation.

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is one of many tools used by our lung specialists at Ascension Wisconsin. Our multispecialty team works together to customize your overall care plan. Talk with your doctor to determine what screening and treatment options are right for you.

Connected to specialists at Ascension Wisconsin

At Ascension Wisconsin, our care teams are ready to answer any questions you may have about lung screenings and other screenings you may need. If you need more care, including more advanced treatment options, you are connected to compassionate care teams and specialists right for you. We take the time to explain procedures and walk you through every step. 

Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage before scheduling. Low-dose CT screening may be covered by various insurance plans as well as Medicare for those who meet certain high-risk criteria. If you have Medicare Part B and meet certain qualifications, your screening may be covered. But you will need a referral from your doctor.