Dr. Paul Discusses the Pulmonologist's Role in Managing Patients With Lung Cancer

Manju P. Paul, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Upstate University Hospital, discusses the pulmonologist’s role as part of the multidisciplinary approach in treating patients with non—small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Pulmonologists play a large role in diagnosing a patient with NSCLC, says Paul. As part of a multidisciplinary team, Paul and her colleagues meet every week to discuss and see patients with either a new diagnosis or an established diagnosis of lung cancer. Pulmonologists provide diagnostic techniques and staging techniques. For example, an endobronchial ultrasound enables pulmonologists to do a comprehensive mediastinal staging, which is crucial in treating patients. Additionally, interventional pulmonologists provide advanced bronchoscopic techniques to help palliate tumors, says Paul.

Rigid bronchoscopy, tumor ablation, and other techniques, such as laser, argon plasma, and cryotherapy, are used to help alleviate endobronchial obstruction, adds Paul. Pulmonologists are also are involved in treating patients with malignant pleural effusions by thoracentesis, PleurX catheters, and, if necessary, pleurodesis.