Pulmonary Medicine

Pulmonary medicine is the practice of treating illness pertaining to the lungs, such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia. These conditions can often lead to difficulty sleeping or decreased quality of sleep.

Our clinic is here to help manage your pulmonary illnesses and, by extension, help improve your sleep so you can be properly rested and thrive at work and better enjoy your daily activities.

If you are seeking pulmonary-medicine-related services, please see your primary care provider for a referral.

Galaxy System Bronchoscopy

Early Detection and Diagnosis of Lung Cancer Matters. It saves lives.

We are the first healthcare system in Wyoming to offer the Galaxy System, a groundbreaking robotic-assisted platform that enhances the early detection of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Detecting it early is critical—but doing so can be challenging, as lung nodules are often small and difficult to access for biopsy with traditional tools.

The Galaxy System by Noah Medical is designed to improve accuracy in diagnosing lung cancer. This next-generation technology allows our pulmonologists to navigate to and biopsy lung nodules with greater precision than ever before. It features Tool-in-Lesion (TiLT+) Technology, which offers:

100% successful navigation to targeted nodules
100% tool-in-lesion accuracy
Up to 95% diagnostic yield

In addition to improving diagnostic accuracy, the Galaxy System also enhances patient safety. Its single-use bronchoscope helps reduce the risk of infection associated with reusable scopes. By offering this advanced diagnostic option, our Pulmonary Services team can now detect and treat lung cancer earlier, giving patients faster answers and a better chance at successful outcomes.

To schedule an appointment, please call (307) 638-7757.

Lung Cancer: Know the Facts

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, accounting for roughly 1 in 5 cancer-related fatalities. It starts in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body—a process called metastasis.

There are two main types:

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – the most common, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
Small Cell Lung Cancer – less common but often more aggressive.

What Causes Lung Cancer?

The number one cause of lung cancer is smoking—whether it’s cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. But even those who quit smoking still reduce their risk significantly.

Other risk factors include:

Secondhand smoke
Exposure to asbestos, radon, arsenic, soot, or tar
Prior radiation therapy to the chest
A family history of lung cancer

Lung Cancer in Numbers (United States Statistics, 2023)

238,340 people diagnosed
129,070 deaths
Only a 25.4% five-year survival rate

Why Early Detection Saves Lives

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer

In its early stages, lung cancer does not typically cause signs or symptoms. Unfortunately, signs and symptoms start to occur when the disease is already advanced and can include:

A cough that does not go away or gets worse
Coughing up blood
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Hoarseness or new onset of wheezing
Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Feeling tired or weak

If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Early Lung Cancer Screening and Diagnosis Leads to Better Patient Outcomes

5-year Survival Rates by Stage

92% five-year survival if caught at Stage I
Only 10% if diagnosed at Stage IV

Are You Eligible for Lung Cancer Screening?

According to the American Cancer Society, you should consider annual low-dose CT (LDCT) scans if you:

Are 50 to 80 years old
Are in fairly good health
Currently smoke or quit in the last 15 years
Have a 20 pack-year history of smoking
(One pack/day for 20 years = 20 pack-years)

If you meet the above criteria, you are eligible for screening and should contact your doctor to begin right away. Usually, symptoms do not appear until the cancer is in an advanced stage. Screening and early detection are the best ways to increase your chances of survival

How Screening Works

Even without symptoms, high-risk patients can benefit from early detection.

During a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan, a machine takes detailed images of your lungs to identify any abnormalities. Research shows that regular LDCT screening significantly increases survival chances for high-risk individuals.

Advanced Diagnosis Tools: Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy

This modern technique uses a flexible tube with a camera—guided robotically—to reach deeper areas of the lung. Doctors can accurately biopsy suspicious tissue, leading to faster and more precise diagnosis and treatment planning.