Lung cancer

Many times, lung cancer is not diagnosed until a person develops symptoms. Lung cancer becomes more difficult to treat the longer it goes undiagnosed. It is recommended that high-risk patients get screened before symptoms appear. Long-term smoking may increase your risk of developing lung cancer.

Candidates for lung cancer screening

A low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest is the screening tool used to help identify lung cancer. This lung scan is able to look to see if there are any nodules or abnormalities seen in the lungs. You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a lung cancer screening scan:

• Be 50 to 77 years old
• Currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years
• Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (e.g., one pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years).
• Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer present, such as a cough that does not go away, chest pain with deep breathing, hoarseness, weight loss, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, fatigue, wheezing or repeated lung infections

If you meet the criteria, speak to your doctor about getting a low-dose CT scan. If you need assistance with the next steps, you may call the lung nurse coordinator at (813) 916-1581. If you have an order, you can contact our central scheduling department at (866) 463-7001 to schedule an appointment.

Low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) scan

An LDCT is a painless and noninvasive CT scan of the chest. The LDCT continuously rotates in a spiral motion to take numerous three-dimensional lung X-rays. The actual test only takes about one minute. An LDCT can pick up a nodule the size of a grain of rice that might otherwise not be seen on an X-ray.

Incidental Lung Nodule Program

Another way HCA Florida Brandon Hospital assists in the early detection of lung cancer is through our incidental lung nodule program. If you have any type of CT scan that shows any part of the lung, that scan will be evaluated for lung nodules. If a nodule is found on the scan, a lung coordinator will contact you with your next step.  

Learning you have a lung nodule can be very scary. At HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, we offer multiple procedures to help you get the answers you need. Speak to your doctor to see which procedure might be best for you.

Robotic bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is now the cornerstone in the evaluation of patients suspected of having lung cancer. Bronchoscopy allows doctors the stability and increased precision needed for a biopsy far into the lungs. Robotic bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that will enable doctors to diagnose lung cancer earlier than ever before.

Our primary goal for treatment is to produce positive outcomes for your care. With many new, cutting-edge imaging technologies and cancer treatments, our specialists can help you live longer and healthier lives in the face of lung cancer. If you have a positive diagnosis, we can begin personalized treatment immediately, either through chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery.

What is lung cancer surgery?

Lung cancer surgery is one of the most effective forms of lung cancer treatment. Our dedicated surgeons are equipped to address lung cancer needs through advanced means, such as minimally invasive robotic surgery, including robotic thoracoscopy or robotic thoracic surgery.

Robotic surgery uses a camera and robotic arm that acts as an extension of your surgeon, who controls the robot's moves. With more precision than is possible with the human hand, your surgeon can accomplish complex surgical moves through a few small incisions, as opposed to a large open incision, while removing diseased lung tissue and any nodules that may be present.

Minimally invasive lung cancer surgery

Minimally invasive procedures are beneficial to you for numerous reasons. These procedures include less pain, less scarring, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

Faster recovery means you can begin further treatments, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy, more quickly.

Our multidisciplinary team meets monthly to discuss an individualized treatment plan and ensure you receive the best care.

Your lung cancer care team may include:

• Medical oncologists (cancer doctors)
• Pathologists
• Pulmonologists (lung doctors)
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists
• Thoracic surgeons
• Nurse navigator