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.

HCA Florida Heart and Lung - Ocala

Lung cancer screening center in Ocala, Florida

At HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, we bring together all types of specialists in the diagnosis, treatment and management of lung cancer.

We aim to increase the early detection of lung cancer through innovative programs and screenings. If lung cancer is detected, you will receive comprehensive cancer care and thorough follow-up evaluations at our hospital. Our lung cancer team includes primary care providers, pulmonologists, radiologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and a lung screening coordinator. Together, our providers offer advanced, quality care tailored to your needs.

Related Specialties

Oncology

Lung cancer screening services

In its early stages, lung cancer does not show symptoms, but when it does in the later stages, it can be harder to treat. This is why screening tests are key in diagnosing lung cancer early.

Lung cancer screening

Patients who participate in our screening program undergo a low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) scan of the chest. This pain-free, noninvasive lung screening creates an image showing abnormalities or tumors. An LDCT quickly screens the lungs with minimal radiation exposure. Lung cancer screening is for patients who are not experiencing any symptoms of lung disease.

Candidates for a lung cancer screening

To be eligible for a lung cancer screening, you must:

Be 55 to 77 years old
Currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years
Have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years (one pack-year equals smoking one pack per day for one year)
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

Talk to your primary care physician to determine your eligibility for the screening. You can schedule an LDCT with a physician order by calling (877) 351-7012.

After the screening, a nurse coordinator sends your results to the referring physician and coordinates any follow-up care, if necessary.

Incidental lung nodule program

To help with early detection, if you visit our emergency room (ER) and undergo a CT scan that includes images of the lungs, your scan is examined for lung nodules. You are referred to our lung nurse coordinator if a lung nodule is detected.

Your primary care physician receives a CT scan report with the recommended follow-up care. The recommendations are based on the 2017 Fleischner Society guidelines for incidental pulmonary nodules.