Welcome to the Lung Diagnostic Assessment Program (LDAP) Clinic in Oakville, Ontario. Our program is dedicated to helping individuals who may have symptoms or concerns related to lung cancer get the care they need. We also see patients with enlarged lymph nodes or nodules (“spots”) seen on imaging including chest x-rays and CT scans to investigate them if needed as well as work closely with our oncology colleagues to assess nodules seen in individuals with a history of cancer.
Our team of experts includes interventional respirologists, radiologists, oncologists and other healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating lung cancer. We provide a comprehensive assessment of lung function and use the latest diagnostic tools and technology to detect lung cancer at an early stage.
What do we do?
The Halton LDAP Clinic is a program designed to evaluate individuals who may have symptoms or concerns related to lung cancer. We also see patients for the work up of nodules that are sometimes picked up incidentally or seen in patients with a history of cancer anywhere in the body. In order to investigate these, further tests such as CT scans, PET scans and biopsies to assess the lungs for any abnormalities or signs of cancer may be needed.
Early detection is key in the successful treatment of lung cancer, which is why our program emphasizes the importance of regular screenings and check-ups for individuals who are at higher risk of developing the disease. We work closely with our patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and concerns. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive and timely streamlined approach to complete all required investigations within the guidelines of Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) and reduce patient wait times and worries.
Once a diagnosis of lung cancer is made, our team will work closely with patients and collaborate with a team of thoracic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists as well as allied health professionals including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, dieticians and social workers to provide a complete care plan for patients and their families.
Our interventional respirologists are trained in a variety of procedures you may need and are offered at our advanced interventional endoscopy suite including endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), radial probe EBUS (RP-EBUS), and combined endosonographic assessment and sampling of the mediastinum for enlarged lymph nodes.
Our Services
Our Lung Diagnostic Assessment Program provides a full range of services to help individuals with lung cancer, including:
- Comprehensive lung function assessments
- Diagnostic imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI brain and PET scans
- Biopsies to detect the presence of cancerous cells
- Including CT guided biopsies, EBUS and RP-EBUS
- Consultations/referrals with oncologists, respirologists, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs and wants
CT-Guided Biopsies are minimally invasive procedures where computed tomography (CT) imaging is used to help guide a needle to a specific area of the lung to collect a tissue sample for examination under the microscope. This technique is often used to obtain samples that are difficult to access, allowing for precise targeting and reducing the risk of complications.
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) is a diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound imaging along with a specialized bronchoscope to visualize the airways and structures within the chest, such as lymph nodes and other tissues or masses. This technique allows for real-time imaging and guidance of a needle for biopsies, making it useful in diagnosing lung cancer, infections, and other diseases.
Radial Probe EBUS (RP-EBUS) is a specific type of EBUS that uses a radial ultrasound probe to create detailed image of the airways and surrounding tissues. Unlike the linear EBUS, which allows for direct needle aspiration, the radial probe provides a 360-degree view and is typically used for diagnosing peripheral lung lesions by visualizing their location before a biopsy is taken.
PET Scan also known as positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that produces images of your organs and tissues at work. The test uses a safe, injectable radioactive chemical called a radiotracer and a device called a PET scanner. The scanner detects diseased cells that absorb large amounts of the radiotracer, which indicates a potential health problem. Healthcare providers frequently use PET scans to help diagnose cancer and assess cancer treatment.
If you or a loved one has concerns related to lung cancer, please don't hesitate to have your physician refer you for a consultation. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to help you navigate this challenging time.
How does this help you?
At our Halton LDAP Clinic, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the support and care they need to manage their lung health. Here are some of the ways our clinic can help you:
- Early and Timely Detection: Our program emphasizes the importance of regular screenings and check-ups for individuals who are at higher risk of developing lung cancer. By detecting lung cancer at an early stage, we can increase the chances of successful treatment and better outcomes. We streamline the work up and investigations necessary for patients in an all-in-one clinic adhering to Cancer Care Ontario timelines for work up.
- Comprehensive Assessment: Our team of experts provides a comprehensive assessment of lung function and uses the latest diagnostic tools and technology to detect lung cancer. This ensures that we have a full understanding of your lung health and can provide you with the best possible care.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: We understand that every patient is unique, which is why we provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your individual needs. Our team works closely with you to develop a plan that addresses your specific concerns and helps you manage your lung health.
- Support and Education: Dealing with a lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That's why we provide our patients with the support and education they need to manage their condition. Our team is always available to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the resources you need to make informed decisions about your care.
- Access to a Multidisciplinary Team: Our Lung Diagnostic Assessment Program includes a team of experts from a variety of fields, including oncology, radiology, respirology and thoracic surgery. This ensures that you have access to a comprehensive range of services and can receive the care you need in one convenient location.
At the Halton LDAP Clinic, we are committed to helping you manage your lung health and providing you with the support and care you need to live a healthy, happy life.
Our Team
Our Halton LDAP Clinic is proud to have a team of experts who are dedicated to providing high-quality care to our patients. Our team includes respirologists, nurse navigator, administrative staff, oncologists, radiation oncologists and thoracic surgeons.
Our respirologists specialize in diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases and are experts in lung health. They work closely with our patients to provide comprehensive lung function assessments and complete some of the vital investigations in the work up of possible lung cancer and enlarged lymph nodes.
Our nurse navigator provides ongoing support and care to our patients, ensuring that they receive the resources and education they need to manage their condition. They also play a critical role in coordinating care between our different specialties and ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care.
Our administrative staff works behind the scenes to ensure that our clinic runs smoothly and efficiently. They are responsible for managing appointments, organizing patient records, and ensuring that our patients have access to the resources they need.
Our oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons are experts in the treatment of lung cancer. They work closely with our patients to develop personalized treatment plans and provide ongoing care and support throughout their treatment.
At the Halton LDAP Clinic, we are proud to have a team of experts who are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients. Our team works collaboratively to ensure that our patients receive the resources and support they need to manage their condition and live a healthy, happy life.
Contact Information
Phone: 905-845-2571 x4407
Fax: 905-338-4685
Email: dapclinics@haltonhealthcare.com
Referral forms
We welcome referrals from specialists, family doctors, and emergency department physicians. We believe that collaboration between healthcare professionals is essential in providing the best possible care for our patients.
If you have a patient who may benefit from our services, we encourage you to refer them using our referral form. Our referral form is easy to complete and provides us with the information we need to ensure that your patient receives the best possible care.
Once we receive your referral, our team will work closely with your patient to schedule a consultation and begin the assessment process. We will keep you informed of your patient's progress and work collaboratively with you to ensure that they receive the best possible care.
Questions/Resources
We understand that being referred to a Lung Cancer Assessment Program can be a challenging and stressful experience for many patients. We want to reassure you that our team is here to support you every step of the way and provide you with the support and education you need to manage your condition and make informed decisions about your care.
If you have any questions or concerns about our program, we encourage you to reach out to our team. Our experts are available to answer any questions you may have about our services, the assessment process, and what to expect during your visit.
For more information and resources about peer support please visit the Canadian Cancer Society website for more information.
If you require assistance with driving to and from appointments, please contact your local Canadian Cancer Society for more information at 1-888-939-3333.
Further helpful resources can be found on the Cancer Care Ontario website.