Lung cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, and is highly treatable. It can be treated through surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This cancer is strongly linked to a history of smoking, so you should seek lung cancer screening to determine your risk of developing this disease.
Lung cancer doctors on Florida's Treasure Coast
If you are at risk for lung cancer, it's crucial to receive regular screenings and prompt treatment if cancer is detected.
According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of death by cancer in the United States. Most lung cancer cases are not detected until patients are symptomatic and the cancer is advanced, so early screening for this disease is crucial and increases the chance of survival. At HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, we offer advanced lung cancer screening and treatment services. Our highly skilled team will work together to provide you with high-quality care in a compassionate environment.
Our lung cancer screening and treatment services
As part of our pulmonary care services, we use innovative technology to detect and treat lung cancer as soon as possible.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer
Typically, you do not experience any signs or symptoms in the earliest stages of lung cancer. When you start to experience symptoms, this typically means the lung cancer is in the later stages. Symptoms can include:
- A persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pains
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fatigue
- Hoarseness
- Pneumonia
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
- Wheezing
Lung cancer screening
We have developed a multidisciplinary lung cancer screening program to provide early detection and treatment of the disease. When you first come to us for a lung cancer screening, a lung coordinator will facilitate the appropriate diagnostic and screening exams. We offer the following:
Low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scan
A low-dose CT scan of the lungs is used to detect lung cancer at an early stage. This type of scan:
- Does not involve any medication
- Does not involve any needles
- Is not painful and takes less than a minute
- Requires you to briefly hold your breath
You can return to your normal day’s activities when your scan is complete. The images created during the scan will be read by a board-certified radiologist.
Robotic bronchoscopy
Robotic bronchoscopy allows your doctor to detect lung cancer sooner and more accurately than they could with a traditional bronchoscopy. It uses robotic tools, software and an endoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera attached) to view hard-to-reach nodules in the lungs and obtain tissue samples for biopsy.
Screening criteria
Talk to your doctor about a lung cancer screening if you:
- Are 50 to 77 years old
- Are asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer)
- Are a current smoker or one who has quit within the last 15 years
- Have a family or personal history of lung cancer
- Have a personal history of chronic lung disease (such as emphysema, bronchitis or pulmonary fibrosis)
- Have a personal history of jobs that expose you to arsenic, nickel, asbestos, beryllium, soot, cadmium, diesel fumes, chromium or coal dust
- Have a tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (One pack-year equals smoking one pack per day for one year. One pack equals 20 cigarettes.)
Lung cancer treatment options
If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, our team will help you navigate the best next steps and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment options we offer include:
- Advanced surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
Nurse navigation services
We also offer nurse navigation services for patients diagnosed with cancer. Our dedicated nurse navigator will be there to help coordinate care, provide support and address any questions or concerns you may have during treatment.