The Lung Cancer Service offers swift access for patients with a suspicion of lung Cancer via the Rapid Access Lung Cancer Clinic and see 96% of referrals within 10 working days. However having swift access to diagnostics is just as important for our patients. The Beaumont Hospital Endoscopy Suite has 15 slots for Bronchoscopy and up to 8 for Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) weekly, which means that our patients can have these diagnostic procedures done within 7 to 10 working days of booking them.

Dr Daniel Ryan, Respiratory Consultant in Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre tells us a bit about some of the innovative endoscopic techniques used for diagnosis and treatment in Lung Cancer.

In 2023 a technique called Radial Probe EBUS was introduced. This now means that more peripheral lung lesions located beyond the reach of normal bronchoscopy or EBUS, can be sampled reducing the need for Percutaneous Biopsy.

Another procedure performed in the endoscopy unit, that benefits our cancer patients, are Indwelling Pleural Catheters (IPCs). Over 50% of patients with advanced lung cancer suffer the discomfort of pleural effusions. Management of this often requires prolonged inpatient stay.  With this procedure, we now insert indwelling pleural catheters as outpatients in the Endoscopy to alleviate symptoms, improve overall quality of life and allow patients to spend more time at home independently

We continually monitor and review the timelines from referral to diagnosis and treatment and the diagnostic and treatment interventions we carry to make sure we can provide the best service for our Lung Cancer patients.