ProMedica Cancer Institute’s Lung Nodule Clinic

Specialized Lung Nodule Care in Northwest Ohio

If you have been referred to ProMedica Cancer Institute’s Lung Nodule Clinic, it is because your doctor found abnormal findings on a lung imaging test. These abnormalities may include pulmonary nodules, which are small growths in the lungs. Most nodules are not cancerous, but it’s important to have them checked to be sure.

Our lung specialists are here to provide thorough examination, answer your questions and offer high-quality specialty care. We are located on the campus of ProMedica Flower Hospital at the ProMedica Hickman Cancer Center. We serve patients throughout northwest Ohio, southeast Michigan and beyond.

Your Initial Consultation

With your referral to our clinic, you’ll be assigned a nurse navigator, who will be your central point of contact. They will help facilitate, guide and educate you and your family along the way.

At your initial consultation, you will meet with our lung specialist, Ronald Wainz, MD. He will review your medical history and imaging results. He will ask about your symptoms, such as cough, weight loss or shortness of breath. The specialist will also perform a physical examination, and typically includes pulmonary function testing. He will explain the significance of your imaging findings and next steps for assessment.

Most patients seen in our clinic will have their case reviewed at a multidisciplinary case conference the same week. This means that providers with various specialties will review and discuss the patient’s case together. This collaboration ensures that each patient receives clinically advanced care and an optimal treatment plan.

Additional Testing and Results

Your doctor may recommend additional diagnostic testing if needed before determining your care plan. This testing may include:

• CT scan, if not already obtained, for detailed imaging of the lungs.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to see if the findings of initial concern appear to be inflamed or metabolically active.
• Biopsy, which takes a small lung tissue sample for lab testing to evaluate for cancer and/or infection.
• Pulmonary function testing to see how well your lungs are working.

Care Plans and Monitoring

Our lung specialists will develop a care plan that is personalized to you and your diagnosis, based on your examination and testing. A nodule may be a noncancerous (benign) growth, inflammation and/or infection.

If the findings are small or not suspicious for cancer or active infection, your doctor may suggest monitoring. Periodic imaging, usually every 3-6 months, can help you and your doctor monitor the health of your lungs.

If testing determines that your lung nodule is cancerous, your doctor will discuss lung cancer treatment with you. You will also be referred to other specialists for care. As part of ProMedica Cancer Institute, our cancer treatment team includes medical and radiation oncology doctors and lung surgeons. The stage, location and type of cancer will determine treatment recommendations.

If your lung nodule is cancerous, you will not be alone in your cancer journey. Our team will continue to follow you and support your care through the assessment and treatment process. We’ll help manage appropriate follow-up for your lung health.