Lung Cancer Treatment and Care
Quick access to leading lung cancer care.
The Novant Health Cancer Institute lung cancer program streamlines the process of evaluating your cancer and developing a treatment plan so your therapy can begin as soon as possible. That’s more convenient for you and a more effective way to fight lung cancer.
What to expect
A collaborative team approach
The success of our lung program comes from multiple specialists closely collaborating to evaluate your condition and recommend a course of treatment. Your multidisciplinary care team may include a:
- Thoracic surgeon, who can perform biopsies and surgically remove cancerous tumors from the lungs
- Medical oncologist, who will manage treatment with chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other medications
- Radiation oncologist, who will manage treatment through radiation therapy methods, including state-of-the-art delivery systems such as IMRT, stereotactic radiotherapy and brachytherapy
- Pulmonologist, who treats lung diseases and aids in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer
- Radiologists, who interpret your medical images, such as CT scans, PET scans and MRIs
- Pathologists, who will examine tissues, check and interpret lab results
Prior to your appointment, these specialists meet to review your medical history, symptoms and the imaging results that revealed a tumor in your lungs. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Those with a diameter of less than 3 centimeters are called nodules, while anything larger is called a mass. Members of the team then meet with you to discuss their findings and talk about treatment options.
Next steps on your journey
Depending on what your care team finds, your next steps could include one of the following:
- A high likelihood of malignancy and recommendation of surgery for a biopsy.
- A significant possibility of malignancy and recommendation for a PET/CT scan to confirm the need for a biopsy.
- No significant risk of malignancy and recommendation to receive a low-dose CT scan in three- to six months to check for changes in the size or shape of the tumor.
This can be done during your first visit, so you begin treatment much sooner, eliminating the need to meet with multiple specialists individually.
Benefit from early lung cancer screening.
Lung cancer kills more Americans every year than any other form of cancer because so many patients don’t seek help until they experience symptoms. By then, they are often in the late stages of the disease when there is little chance of being cured.
Our lung nodule clinics are staffed with medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, radiologist and pathologists to make it easier for us to assess your risk of lung cancer. We can then fast track your diagnosis if a scan reveals a lung nodule, and your treatment, should the nodule be malignant.
Novant Health urges you to consider being screened for lung cancer if you have:
- an extensive smoking history (1 pack daily for 30 years or 2 packs daily for 15 years)
- family history of lung cancer
- significant exposure to second-hand smoke
Research has shown that with early detection, 85% of cancers can be found in the earliest, most curable stage. If treated promptly with surgery, their cure rate is 92%. Contact your Novant Health primary care provider today to see if you might benefit from early screening.
Types of Lung Cancers & Tumors of the Chest
Lung Cancer Treatments
Meet A Novant Health Cancer Survivor
Why Choose Novant Health?
Accredited by multiple national organizations, including the Commission on Cancer and the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®), your Novant Health physician is committed to providing excellence in cancer care. You can feel confident that you will be supported throughout your cancer journey by a specialized team of experts focused on your specific needs. We work in state-of-the-art cancer care centers that are among the best in the country.
Your cancer journey is unique. That’s why our nationally recognized cancer teams work with you to develop a personalized care plan. At Novant Health, you’ll have access to the most current treatment options available only at leading cancer institutes. Your treatment may include clinical research trials or robotics, microsurgeries, new radiation technologies, or cellular and immune therapies. Together, we can treat your cancer, manage your symptoms, and provide you with support at all stages.
You're not alone on your cancer journey. At Novant Health, rest assured you’ll have all the resources you need to tackle your life-changing diagnosis. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach brings together experts with knowledge from different specialties to support you every step of the way. In addition to oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, your team may include nurse navigators, nutritionists, integrative medicine specialists, genetic counselors, social workers, symptom management and palliative care specialists, and more.
Nationally Recognized Care
- National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)
- Commission on Cancer (CoC)
- Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI)
- Radiation Oncology Practice Accreditation (ROPA-ACR)
- APEx Accreditation (ASTRO)
- Magnet Recognition-American Nursing Credentialing Center
- American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP)
- National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
- Southeast Clinical Oncology Research Consortium (SCOR)/National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program
- Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)
- National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC)
Your Cancer Support Services
Our certified nurse navigators are specially trained to guide you throughout your entire treatment journey. They'll help you understand your diagnosis, review your cancer treatment options with you, answer questions, help you schedule appointments to minimize clinic visits, and provide resources and encouragement every step of the way.
Cancer impacts your whole family. Take advantage of Novant Health cancer resources like counseling, cancer support groups, educational programs, and referrals to financial resources. We help you and your loved ones manage your emotional and practical needs during cancer diagnosis and treatment.
There may be times during your diagnosis, treatment or recovery when you want deeper spiritual and emotional support. We offer multi-faith support and guidance to you and your family members. Let your physician or nurse know if you would like to speak with a chaplain.
Fighting cancer can take a toll on your body. To help you get stronger and more comfortable, we offer a wide range of personalized services to help you manage your symptoms. These services can include nutrition counseling, exercise coaching, physical therapy, rehabilitation and lymphedema treatment. Many of our clinics also provide board-certified specialists in palliative care and pain management.
At Novant Health, we’re committed to care for all of you during your treatment. Integrative medicine is evidence-based treatment available in the Charlotte and Winston-Salem areas that, when combined with medical therapies, can enhance your overall healing and well-being through treatment and beyond. We’ll connect you with holistic care that may include services like pet therapy, massage, meditation and stress management, nutrition counseling, wellness programs, acupuncture and yoga.
Most cases of cancer occur by chance. However, sometimes cancer can be hereditary, which means that it runs in the family. Genetic counseling and genetic testing can help determine if you or your family members are at an increased risk to develop certain types of cancer. Understanding your hereditary risks can help prevent cancer, detect it early, or impact treatment decisions for an existing cancer. Our genetic counselors can talk with you about your family history of cancer and genetic testing options.
You’re Entitled to a Second Opinion.
Are you concerned or confused about a cancer diagnosis or treatment recommendation you've received?
Another perspective on your case and options can give you some peace of mind. Reach out for a virtual session or in-person consultation.
Experience the Future of Cancer Care, Today.
Together, we can beat cancer. Clinical research studies drive breakthroughs in the prevention, detection and treatment of many cancer conditions.
If eligible to join a clinical trial, you could access new cancer treatments before they’re available to the general public. Explore clinical trials and speak with your cancer team to see if any are right for you.
Search for Clinical Trials at Novant Health