The Interstitial Lung Disease Center

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Interstitial lung disease is a group of 200 respiratory disorders with similar symptoms and little known cause. One of the most common forms is pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive disease in which lung tissue becomes scarred. Although pulmonary fibrosis is a disabling disease without a known cure, new advances that we champion, research, and practice at the Interstitial Lung Disease Center at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix have improved the level of function for our patients.

Our staff includes a multidisciplinary team of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, highly skilled chest radiologists, and pathologists who assist in the diagnosis and treatment of usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), or hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) among many other forms of lung disease.

Diseases treated at the center include:

  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
  • Idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP)
  • Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP)
  • Genetic/inherited interstitial lung disease including familial pulmonary fibrosis
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Connective tissue & auto-immune related disorders of the lung
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
    • Systemic lupus erythematosus
    • Scleroderma/systemic sclerosis
    • Certain muscle diseases (polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and the anti-synthetase syndrome)
  • Interstitial lung disease related to occupational & environmental exposures
  • Drug-induced interstitial lung disease from such agents as:
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation therapy
    • Antiarrhythmics
    • Antibiotics
    • Anticonvulsants

Our center is offering some of the latest treatments, including:

  • Envisia Genomic Classifier to diagnose idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
  • Percepta Bronchial Genomic Classifier to diagnose lung cancer

For more information, contact the Lung Institute at its location at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix today:

755 E. McDowell Road
Phoenix, AZ 85006

(602) 521-3400

Our skilled team, under the Lung Institute at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix’s campus recognize that contributing factors to the development of pulmonary fibrosis can include inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis and infection, and exposure to asbestos or gasses can also contribute to the likelihood of being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. 

In addition, those with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma are also more prone to the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
Some of the services offered at the Interstitial Lung Disease Center include:

  • Collaboration with our thoracic surgeons for biopsy procedures
  • Access to treatment from our highly skilled thoracic radiology team
  • Pulmonologists with expertise in the treatment of interstitial lung diseases
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis support group information and resources
  • Comprehensive lab testing to rule out contributing illnesses such as lupus, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, or rheumatoid arthritis

To make an appointment, please call (602) 521-3400. 

Center Leadership:

  • Raed Alalawi, MD – Co-Center Director –Interstitial Lung Disease Center

Patients are provided educational materials, including individualized treatment plans and outlining expectations for their care. Family education and support is always available for specific questions or follow up concerns.

The University of Arizona, in coordination with Banner – University Medicine, conducts a variety of research studies and clinical trials to support a commitment to improving patient care. As a patient at Banner – University Medical Center, you may be eligible to participate, meaning you’ll have access to new treatments, which may not yet be available to the public.

Our team is committed to providing each patient with helpful resources to improve their health and well-being.