Lung cancer

Lung cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Cancer specialists at our hospitals in North Texas diagnose and treat many types of lung cancer, including:

• Large carcinoid tumors — Rare, slow-growing lung tumors that rarely spread
• Mesothelioma — Grows in the tissue that lines the lungs
• Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) — The most common types of lung cancers, making up about 85 percent of all lung cancer cases
  • Adenocarcinomas — Develops in the tissues of organs and blood vessels
  • Large cell carcinomas — Grows from large cells found in the lungs
  • Squamous cell carcinomas — Develops from skin cells
• Sarcomas — Cancerous tumors that grow in bones or soft tissues
• Small-cell lung cancers (SCLC) — Grow from small cells found in the lungs and tend to spread quickly

Many people who are at risk don’t show symptoms of lung cancer until the disease reaches advanced stages. High risk individuals include:

• Current or former smokers, between 50 and 80 years old, who smoked for at least 20 years or have quit within the past 15 years
• People with a personal history of cancer or lung disease
• People with a family history of lung cancer
• People with an occupational exposure to second-hand smoke

Lung evaluations can detect cancer before it advances or spreads to other parts of the body. If you think you may be at increased risk for developing lung cancer, talk to your doctor about a lung cancer screening.

Specialists at our CLEAR clinics work to minimize diagnosis time by offering early detection and treatment options that may not otherwise be available. At Medical City Dallas, Medical City Lewisville, Medical City Arlington, Medical City Fort Worth and Medical City Plano, you can undergo various lung and endoscopy procedures, including imaging tests like low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scans.

A CT scan is a type of X-ray that can take cross-sectional images of the inside of your body. The scan is painless and can produce clearer images of organs than standard X-rays. A low-dose CT (LDCT) scan also uses less radiation than a traditional CT scan. Lung cancer screening is covered by most insurance providers as a preventive service for individuals at high risk.

A lung nodule is a small mass of tissue in the lung that can be visible on a routine screen. Most nodules are benign, but some are cancerous.

Medical City Dallas offers one of the few lung nodule management clinics in North Texas. Experts at this location can determine whether the nodule should be treated or left alone. If a lung nodule is new or has changed in appearance, your doctor may recommend further scans or a biopsy. Most doctors can detect a nodule on an imaging test, but specialists at our CLEAR clinic can determine if the nodule needs treatment.

We also offer:

• Coordination of care with multiple specialties, including thoracic surgery, radiology, pulmonology and radiation oncology
• Dedicated nurse navigators to help with your ongoing care plan and to manage follow-up visits
• Education resources for lung nodule screening and treatment
  
• Evaluation, diagnosis and recommendations guided by the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines
  
• Ongoing collaboration and communication with referring physicians

Smoking cessation

Our CLEAR clinics include a comprehensive smoking cessation program. You'll receive smoking cessation materials and counseling to help you decrease your risk of lung cancer.

Our pulmonologists, oncologists and cancer support teams offer a wide range of treatment options for lung cancer. Through our oncology programs and pulmonary care programs, we can develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

Lung cancer surgery

Our highly-skilled surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, including:

• • Lobectomy — The removal of a lobe of the lung
  • Lymphadenectomy — The removal of lymph nodes
  • Pneumonectomy — The removal of a lung
  • Sleeve resection — The removal of a lobe and part of the airway, called the main bronchus
  • Segmentectomy — The partial removal of an organ or gland)
  • Video-assisted thoracic surgery — Surgery of the esophagus or organs in the chest using a small inserted camera to guide the surgeon)

Nonsurgical lung cancer treatment

After consulting with your cancer care team, you may be scheduled for a nonsurgical treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These nonsurgical treatments can also be used in combination with surgery.

We know a cancer diagnosis affects more than your physical health. That's why cancer support groups are a major part of our cancer care. If you've just learned about a cancer diagnosis, are supporting a loved one through treatment or are transitioning into survivorship, we can connect you with a local community for ongoing care.

Fighting cancer takes a team

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.