Lung Nodule Center

University Hospitals Parma Medical Center
Medical Arts Center 2
6707 Powers Blvd., Suite 205
Parma, OH 44129
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Lung nodules, which show as a white spot or shadow on a CT scan, are typically too small to cause symptoms such as pain or breathing problems. They are detected in up to half of all adults who get a chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan. Lung nodules may develop because of scar tissue, infection, or other irritants – and in most cases are noncancerous. In fact, fewer than 5 percent of all nodules turn out to be cancer, and the cancer is often found in early stages.

The first of its kind in the UH system, the Lung Nodule Center at UH Parma Medical Center makes certain patients are seen quickly and continually tracked for follow-up care. The center is overseen by medical directors Basel Altaqi, MD, and Daniel Iltchev, MD.

Special appointment times are reserved for patients to ensure they are seen within a week of detection of a lung nodule. Certified nurse practitioner Lynda Boldt, CNP, initially meets with each patient for an evaluation, and then helps coordinate a referral to the most appropriate specialist, such as a pulmonologist for bronchoscopy, interventional radiology for a biopsy or additional scanning, or removal by thoracic surgeon Christopher Towe, MD.

An estimated 50,000 patients across the region have lung nodules that are not necessarily tracked and treated. As part of launching this dedicated program, UH Parma’s Lung Nodule Center has established a lung nodule registry to track patients and ensure timely follow-up. Through this registry, the Lung Nodule Center determines the best practitioner for treatment based on the nodule’s size, location and characteristics. Risk factors such as smoking or family history of cancer also are considered. Patients will continue to be seen by their regular primary care providers for all other medical care.