Lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and can interfere with overall lung function. If you have been a long-term smoker, you may be at an increased risk for lung cancer. However, most visible symptoms will only become known in the disease's later stages when treatment options are limited.

If you have a heightened lung cancer risk, we encourage vigilant testing so we can find cancer before symptoms begin to show. If you have a positive diagnosis, we can begin personalized treatment immediately, either through chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery.

Every treatment plan begins with an accurate diagnosis. To achieve this, we use leading-edge technologies to detect suspicious lung nodules that could represent a malignancy. Whether your cancer is a nodule or other mass, we can detect cancer through a low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) scan. An LDCT is an extremely detailed, specialized X-ray that is painless, noninvasive, uses no dyes or injections and requires nothing to swallow.

The LDCT continuously rotates in a spiral motion to take numerous three-dimensional lung X-rays, while only taking about a minute to complete. One of the primary benefits of this exam is that while a traditional X-ray can detect an abnormality about the size of a dime, an LDCT can detect one the size of a grain of rice.

Diagnostic testing process

If you qualify for an LDCT scan, first, your primary care physician (PCP) will need to place an order. Once we have received the order, we will perform the test, and analyze the results based on categorical criteria for the Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS). Lung-RADS categories include categories one (negative) and two (benign), which correspond to negative results, and categories three (likely benign) and four (questionable), which correspond to positive results.

If your results are in categories three or four, you will move forward with treatment at our lung nodule clinic, which will be facilitated by one of our dedicated lung nodule coordinators. These individuals are with you throughout your cancer journey, collaborating with you and ensuring that you receive effective, efficient and compassionate care and long-term support.

No matter the level of your diagnosis, you will receive personalized clinical assessments and treatment recommendations from our radiology and pulmonary team. You will have a detailed discussion of the benefits and risks of clinically appropriate evaluation.

One of the most effective forms of lung cancer treatment is lung cancer surgery. 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.

Benefits of minimally invasive lung cancer surgery

These types of minimally invasive procedures are beneficial to you for numerous reasons, including less pain, less scarring, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times. With a faster recovery, if your condition requires you to do so, you can begin further treatments, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy, more quickly.