Lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and can interfere with overall lung function. Advanced screenings and treatments — like the ones we offer — are crucial for diagnosing and treating lung cancer in its early stages, while it is easier to treat. With many new, cutting-edge imaging technologies and cancer treatments, our specialists are able to help you live a longer and healthier life.

Excellence in lung cancer care

We are proud to be recognized by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons with a three-star rating for exceptional patient care and lung cancer resection outcomes. This top rating and prestigious honor places HCA Florida Blake Hospital among the leading institutions for thoracic surgery in the United States and Canada. Our hospital is also recognized as a Screening Center of Excellence for Lung Cancer Care and Screening by the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer.

Without lung cancer screening, lung cancer is usually not found until a person develops symptoms. At that time, the cancer is much harder to treat. Lung cancer screening is recommended for people who are at high risk for lung cancer, before symptoms appear. If you have been a long-term smoker, you may be at an increased risk for lung cancer. The oncology teams at HCA Florida Blake Hospital recommends annual screenings for most individuals who meet the screening criteria.

Candidates for lung cancer screening

Patients who participate in our screening program will undergo a low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest. This pain-free, noninvasive lung screening creates an image that can show abnormalities or tumors. There are certain conditions that must be present before you can receive a screening. To be eligible for a lung cancer screening, you must:

• 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 primary care provider about next steps or call our lung nurse coordinator at (941) 342-8031. Once you have an order for a screening, you can fax it to (941) 798-6356 or send to our nurse coordinator to start the scheduling process. After the screening, the nurse coordinator will send your results to the referring physician, as well as coordinate any follow-up care, if necessary.

Incidental Lung Nodule Program

To help with early detection, if you visit one of our emergency rooms (ERs) and undergo a CT scan that includes images of the lungs, your scan will be examined for lung nodules. If a lung nodule is detected, you will be referred to our lung nurse coordinator. Your primary care physician will receive a CT scan report with the recommended follow-up care.

If you recently learned you have a suspicious nodule on your lung, you may find yourself struggling to cope with the uncertainty of whether the nodule is benign or cancerous. Finding the answers you need can feel like a long process, but it doesn't have to be. We offer a number of procedures to help diagnose lung cancer and get you the answers you need as soon as possible.

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.

Robotic bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy has become a cornerstone in the evaluation of patients suspected of having lung cancer. This technological advancement offers doctors the stability and increased precision needed for a biopsy far into the lungs. Robotic bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows 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 are able to 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.

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.

From diagnosis to treatment to recovery, our multidisciplinary team meets bi-weekly to discuss your personalized treatment plan and ensure you are supported through every step of your cancer journey.

Your lung cancer care team may include:

• Medical oncologists (cancer doctors)
• Pathologists
• Pulmonologists (lung doctors)
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists
• Thoracic surgeons
• Nurse navigators
• Genetic counselors