IMAGING & DIAGNOSTICS

EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound):

Usually referred via the local Lung Cancer MDT following imaging showing mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy.

 

• Weekly EBUS lists are held at most tertiary sites (e.g., GSTT, St George’s, PRUH, Woolwich)

• Bookings typically coordinated via MDT coordinator or respiratory admin.

• Include most recent CT thorax, PET scan (if available), and relevant clinical history.

 

Tip: Ensure anticoagulation plan is clear pre-procedure.

PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography):

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Used for lung cancer staging, solitary nodule evaluation, or systemic sarcoidosis.

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STH & EGH (use RMH)

King’s College Hospital & GSTT 

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• Typically requested following Lung Cancer MDT discussion.

• Include recent CT, smoking history, and MDT outcome.

CPET (Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing):

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Helps differentiate between cardiac, respiratory, deconditioning, and functional causes of

breathlessness.

• For unexplained dyspnoea (after spirom HRCT, ECHO), pre-op assessment, PH (need baseline assessments first)

•  Available at Royal Brompton and GSTT (limited availability).

Pleural:

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Referral is appropriate for patients with recurrent pleural effusions, suspected pleural malignancy, pneumothorax, or diagnostic uncertainty following initial aspiration or imaging. Services include diagnostic thoracoscopy, indwelling pleural catheter insertion, and management of complex effusions or trapped lung.

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