Ask the Experts: Should I have a pulmonologist on my lung cancer care team?

Yes!

The best lung cancer care requires a team of doctors who all specialize in different treatments. This type of team helps you get the best personalized care for your specific type of lung cancer.

Pulmonologists specialize in lung conditions, including lung cancer, and play a vital role throughout your lung cancer treatment. Your pulmonologist may provide some or all of the following: biopsies, diagnosis, staging, treating and managing your lung cancer care.

Pulmonologists are also responsible for testing your baseline pulmonary function and managing any side effects or respiratory related issues you currently have or may develop. Some of these issues may consist of fluid buildup, airway blockages or diminished lung capacity (oxygen flow).  These can come from either removal of part of the lung, radiation therapy or damage caused by another underlying lung disease such as asthma, COPD or emphysema.

The pulmonologist may also test your lungs by performing a non-invasive pulmonary function test to determine how well your lungs are working. This test measures the amount of air your lungs can hold. If you are taking medication to help you breathe, this test can also be used to determine how well it is working.

If you are planning any air travel, it is important to discuss an altitude test with your pulmonologist to determine how well your lungs function at higher altitudes. Most people don’t know that airplane cabins are pressurized at around eight thousand feet and some people diagnosed with lung cancer may need onboard oxygen at those heights.

If you don’t currently have a pulmonologist on your care team, it’s not too late! Speak with your healthcare provider about your options and don’t be afraid to request a referral to a pulmonologist near you.

Please note that the information included in any published answer is for educational pursuit only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult their healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Nothing from GO2 for Lung Cancer should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion.