Yashoda Hospital Hitech City Launches AI-Powered Lung Nodule Clinic for Early Lung Cancer Detection

The AI-enabled clinic integrates advanced imaging, risk stratification, and follow-up systems to detect lung nodules, even in asymptomatic patients.

Yashoda Hospital Hitech City, in partnership with Qure.ai and AstraZeneca, inaugurated a state-of-the-art lung nodule clinic powered by artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to transform early detection and management of lung cancer and other serious lung diseases.

The AI-enabled clinic integrates advanced imaging, risk stratification, and follow-up systems to detect lung nodules, even in asymptomatic patients. In India, where no national lung cancer screening program exists, this technology offers a structured solution to address delayed diagnoses.

“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in India, claiming over 100,000 lives annually, largely due to late detection,” said Dr. GS Rao, Director General of Yashoda Hospitals. “Nearly 80% of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, making early intervention critical. This AI-powered clinic identifies early radiological signs and ensures rapid follow-up.”

Since its implementation, the AI system has analyzed more than 17,000 chest X-rays, detecting 960 nodules, 136 of which were high-risk. A total of 77 patients underwent expedited CT scans and pulmonary examinations, confirming cases of lung cancer, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and lymphoma, highlighting the clinical impact of early detection.

Pulmonary nodules, small lesions under 3 cm, often indicate the onset of lung cancer but are difficult to detect in routine examinations. The clinic’s AI system ensures these nodules are accurately identified, categorized, and tracked. Advanced interventional pulmonology tools—including radial endobronchial ultrasound, navigational bronchoscopy, and cone-beam CT-guided biopsy—allow precise diagnosis and treatment planning.

Dr. V. Nagarjuna Maturu, senior consultant in clinical and interventional pulmonology, said, “AI integration helps identify lung diseases early, even in patients who fall outside conventional screening criteria.” Dr. Vipul Garg, associate consultant and clinic lead, added, “Our nurse referral model ensures every flagged patient receives prompt counseling, follow-up, and intervention, minimizing delays and optimizing care.”

The clinic’s AI-assisted pathway standardizes protocols and documentation, transforming incidental findings into actionable care. Yashoda Hospitals aims to improve early diagnosis rates, reduce advanced-stage lung cancer, and provide comprehensive, data-driven respiratory care in Hyderabad.

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