Lung Cancer Surgery

Lung Cancer

This commonly diagnosed cancer requires a thorough workup and prompt treatment.

Lung cancer starts in the lung, but it may grow and spread before causing symptoms. Treatment options have increased remarkably over the last few years, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Treatment of lung cancer depends on the stage, and it requires an experienced team. If you have adequate lung function and the physical strength for surgery, surgical removal may be an option for localized disease. Our thoracic surgeon has expertise in lung cancer and minimally invasive techniques.

Lung Cancer Screening

CT scanning in those at high risk for lung cancer saves lives.

Diagnosis of lung cancer in its early stages offers the best chance for cure. Because symptoms typically do not develop until the disease has advanced, screening for lung cancer is key. If you are at high risk for lung cancer, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening can lead to earlier diagnosis and increased survival. LDCT screening is currently an option for patients who have a 20-year or more smoking history, smoke now or quit within the past 15 years, and are between 50 and 80 years old. This non-invasive study takes only minutes to perform.

Lung Nodules and Lung Nodule Clinic

Most lung nodules are benign, but all deserve expert evaluation and close follow-up.

Lung nodules are small growths in the lung. These growths are often found on imaging performed for other reasons and range from 3 to 30 mm in size. Most lung nodules are benign. However, it’s important to discern a benign lung nodule from cancer. All lung nodules require expert evaluation. Through our Lung Nodule Clinic, we offer an extensive workup by a thoracic specialist and long-term follow-up.

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS)

Surgical removal of diseased lung in severe emphysema improves breathing and survival in some patients.

LVRS can improve breathing and increase survival in select patients with emphysema and severe COPD. LVRS removes lung tissue at the top of the lungs that has been destroyed by emphysema. Removal of this tissue allows recontouring of the chest and improved diaphragmic function. This may increase your quality of life and help you live longer. LVRS is performed using minimally invasive video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), which can provide a faster recovery.