Precision Screening for Lung Cancer: Early Detection with EBUS

Health Articles
Lung Cancer Screening

A chronic cough, difficulty breathing, or unusual fatigue may seem like minor symptoms that many people overlook—often mistaking them for just a cold or allergies. In reality, these signs could be early warnings of lung cancer, one of the world’s leading causes of death.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Since it often shows no symptoms in its early stages, many patients are diagnosed only after the disease has advanced, which significantly reduces the chance of a permanent cure.

Warning signs of lung cancer

  1. Persistent cough or coughing up blood-streaked phlegm
  2. Shortness of breath, chest pain
  3. Unexplained weight loss
  4. Hoarseness, unusual fatigue

If these symptoms persist for more than 2–3 weeks, it is strongly recommended to undergo lung cancer screening.

The importance of early detection

Detecting lung cancer at an early stage is key to the most effective treatment outcomes. Annual health check-ups are highly recommended, and those at higher risk should consider a Low-Dose CT Scan for early screening.

If a “nodule” or “abnormal spot” is detected in the lungs, doctors may recommend EBUS-TBNA (Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration). This advanced technique combines bronchoscopy with ultrasound, allowing doctors to precisely collect tissue samples from nodules or lymph nodes in the chest—without the need for surgery.

Benefits of EBUS

  1. Minimally invasive tissue sampling without surgery
  2. Reduced risks and complications compared to surgical procedures
  3. High accuracy with ultrasound guidance
  4. Faster recovery, suitable for patients wishing to avoid major surgery
  5. Useful for diagnosing lung cancer, tuberculosis, and airway tumors
  6. Biopsy results available within 2 days

Who should consider EBUS?

  1. Smokers or those exposed to high pollution
  2. Individuals with chronic cough, fatigue, or persistent chest pain
  3. Patients with abnormal findings on chest X-ray or CT Scan
  4. Individuals with a family history of lung cancer

EBUS is a safe and highly accurate diagnostic option that helps doctors create a treatment plan at an early stage—enhancing the chance of a complete cure from lung cancer.

For more information, please contact

Internal Medicine Center, Vejthani Hospital
Call: (+66)2-734-0000 Ext. 2720, 2721
English Hotline: (+66)85-223-8888

Medically Reviewed by

DR. APIRAK JUNPENG
DR. APIRAK JUNPENG

Internal Medicine

Pulmonary Medicine and Pulmonary Critical Care

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