A procedure that can help diagnose lung cancer quickly is now able to be carried out in Cumbria.
The North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust has performed its first medical thoracoscopy this month, at the Cumberland Infirmary.
A thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to look inside the lining of the lungs using a thin scope.
It gives doctors a chance to take biopsies and can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic reasons, when investigating a pleural effusion – or fluid in the lining of the lung – in suspected cancer cases.
People in Cumbria previously had to travel to Newcastle for the procedure, but Respiratory and Endoscopy teams at the infirmary have worked together to be able to offer the procedure in the county.
The trust said that offering the procedure in Cumbria will reduce overall waiting times to confirm a diagnosis.
Maria Parsonage, respiratory consultant nurse and pleural disease specialist, added: “Introducing the thoracoscopy service means we are enhancing care that can be delivered locally in north Cumbria, rather than travelling to Newcastle.
“Patients no longer having to travel for their procedure can also speed up time-critical investigations, including lung and other types of cancer.
“Thoracoscopies provide direct visual inspection of the lining of the lung and allow targeted biopsies to be taken.
“This means that we can refer to patients for early treatment of cancer, if proven on the biopsy, and improve symptoms of breathlessness.
“We plan to undertake around four procedures a month at the Endoscopy Unit at Cumberland Infirmary.
“The first procedure that took place meant the patient was diagnosed within 48 hours with a particularly aggressive type of lung cancer, where the timing of the treatment is crucial.
“I am immensely proud of the whole team. My advice to others is to never give up on your ambition for transforming patient care when developing new services.”
