Thoracic & Lung Cancer Care

Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 200,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. 
Lung cancer is the predominant malignancy involving the thorax, or chest. However, tumors (mesotheliomas) can also originate from the inner surface of the chest wall and the center part of the chest (mediastinum), including the thymus gland, esophagus and lymph glands.

Of the two major types of lung cancer, non-small cell and small cell carcinoma, the most common is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It has three subtypes: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinomas. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) spreads more quickly through the body and is often not found in its early stages. 

Lung Cancer Treatment

Each type of lung cancer behaves differently, so treatment approaches will vary. Using leading-edge, ultra-precise diagnostic and cancer-staging tools, our Cancer Care team can accurately diagnose the type of lung cancer a patient has, determine how advanced the cancer is and determine whether it has spread in the body. 

Lung cancer diagnostic and staging services at Sarasota Memorial's Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute include bronchoscopy, robotic bronchoscopy, endobronchical ultrasound (EBUS), esophageal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), endobronchial navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) and mediastinoscopy, as well as CT-guided biopsies and interventional radiology techniques.

The Jellison Cancer Institute was among the first in the US to use Auris Health’s innovative Monarch robotic-bronchoscopy system, which features a flexible, robotic endoscope. Used to view the inside of the lungs and obtain a tissue sample for biopsy, the Monarch Platform enables earlier and more-accurate diagnosis of small and hard-to-reach lung nodules.

With a precise diagnosis, our care team works with each patient to create custom treatment plans. Lung cancer treatment might include surgery, other interventional procedures, radiation or infusion therapy. 

Surgical Treatments for Lung Cancer

• Da Vinci Robot-assisted, minimally invasive thoracic surgery
• Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)
• Bloodless surgery options
• Thoracic Resections:
  • Chest wall resection and reconstruction
  • Lobectomy
  • Mediastinal resection (tumor / cysts)
  • Pneumonectomy
  • Segmental / Wedge resection
  • Thymectomy
• Fiducial implantation for Thoracic Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
• Pleurix
• Pleurodesis

Non-surgical Treatments for Lung Cancer

• Chemotherapy
• Imaging-guided treatments, including embolization and ablation therapies
• Immunotherapy
• Specialized radiation therapy treatments
• Radiofrequency ablation and other tissue/tumor ablation
• Targeted Drug Therapy

Cancer Care Beyond Treatment

At Sarasota Memorial's Jellison Cancer Institute, we treat more than just the disease. Our care focuses on the whole person, helping patients—and their families—through the physical, emotional and mental effects of cancer. This integrated cancer care approach includes:

• Oncology navigation support
• Cancer rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Cancer Clinical Trials
• Genetic counseling and testing
• Inpatient and outpatient Oncology Psychosocial Services with oncology-certified licensed clinical social worker (for patients and caregivers)
• Lung Cancer Screening
• Oncology-specific nutrition services
• Oncology massage therapy
• Oncology-specific wellness / exercise classes (for patients and caregivers)
• Palliative Medicine for inpatient supportive care services
• Cardiotoxicity Screening

Lung Cancer Review Board

The Sarasota Memorial team of cancer specialists meets weekly to review patient cases and collaborate on the best treatment strategies. This team includes thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, interventional and diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, certified oncology nurses, supportive care clinicians and other specialists. Collaboration is key for the very best care and treatment for cancer patients.

Accreditation & Honors

• US News ranks Sarasota Memorial as a high performer for Lung Cancer Surgery in its 2023-2024 report. 
• The Sarasota Memorial Cancer Institute carries the nation's highest level of accreditation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). It has maintained continuous CoC accreditation since 1988.
• Sarasota Memorial is certified as an Eon Center of Excellence (ECOE) for incidental pulmonary nodule management. Recognized as a Bronze-tier ECOE, the SMH program is a leader in patient capture and followup.

More Resources for Patients and Caregivers

Lung Cancer Screening and Diagnostics
Cancer and caregiver tips 
Printable resources
Cancer info office, call 941-262-7500