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Lung Cancer Screening & Diagnostics

Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths, can be difficult to detect in its early stages. With many patients, by the time symptoms arise, the disease has advanced. When diagnosed early, however, lung cancer is highly treatable.

At Sarasota Memorial's Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, our multidisciplinary team employs advanced screening and diagnostic technologies — including low-dose computed tomographic (LDCT) scans — to ensure the world has more lung cancer success stories. Using ultrasound and LDCT screening, we can identify lung cancer before symptoms begin, when the disease is most treatable.

Is Lung Cancer Screening Right for You?

Those at high risk for developing lung cancer should consider LDCT screening. Lung cancer screening may be right for you, if:

  • You are age 50 to 80.

  • You are a current smoker or former smoker who quit within the last 15 years.

  • You have a history of at least 20 years of smoking an average of one pack per day.

For more information and to find out whether it's right for you, call 941-917-5864 (LUNG) or email lungcancerscreening@smh.com.  

More Information & Referrals

For more information or assistance with a physician referral, call 941-917-5864.

Detecting Lung Cancer Early with LDCT

Low-dose computed tomographic screening captures a series of detailed images capable of showing many lung diseases and abnormalities. The low-dose scan is painless and uses up to 90% less radiation than a standard CT scan. Studies have shown that for those at increased risk of developing lung cancer, annual LDCT screening is an effective method for catching lung cancer early. Watch the video below to learn more about the process and what to expect with LDCT at Sarasota Memorial's Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute.

Medical Director Dr. Joseph Seaman, a critical care pulmonologist, oversees the Sarasota Memorial Lung Cancer Screening Program, which has been recognized as a Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance. Nurse Amie Miller, APRN, serves as program coordinator for the program.

All cases are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, including critical care pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, diagnostic and interventional radiologists, medical and radiation oncologists and more, who collaborate in giving each individual patient the most effective treatment. Screening patients also receive ongoing education and support from the team.

The exam is covered by Medicare and most major insurance carriers for those who meet eligibility criteria. To learn more about lung cancer screening at the Jellison Cancer Institute, call 941-917-5864 (LUNG) or email lungcancerscreening@smh.com.

 

 

 

 

Identifying, Diagnosing & Staging Lung Cancer 

In addition to LDCT lung cancer screening, Sarasota Memorial uses a variety of other advanced technologies and techniques to identify, monitor, diagnose and stage the disease. These include:

  • Bronchoscopy: A visual device is inserted into a patient’s airways via the esophagus, allowing the physician to examine for abnormalities.

  • Robotic Bronchoscopy: Using the Ion endoluminal system by Intuitive, a minimally invasive robotic-bronchoscopy platform, SMH specialists can view and biopsy the delicate far reaches of the lungs with optimized precision, thanks to a robotic catheter and advanced technology that integrates the latest software, data science, flexible robotics and endoscopy (the use of scopes equipped with small cameras and tools that enter the body through its natural openings). 

  • Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS): EBUS utilizes bronchoscopy and ultrasound technology to provide images of the airway wall and adjacent structures.

  • Esophageal Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): EUS uses a special endoscope equipped with a sound-wave generator to visualize the lining and walls of the lungs and nearby structures.

  • Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy (ENB): ENB acts as a GPS for a patient’s airways, allowing the physician to find and access areas for treatment or biopsy.

  • Mediastinoscopy: A small scope is inserted to examine the space and lymph nodes behind the breastbone and between the two lungs.

  • CT-guided Biopsy: The physician uses CT imaging to perform a precise, minimally invasive biopsy.

  • Interventional Radiology (IR): IR diagnostic and treatment procedures include X-ray fluoroscopy, MRI and ultrasound.

 

Ready to Quit Smoking?

We’re here to help!
Call 941-917-5864 (LUNG) for information and resources on our free smoking cessation programs.

Accreditations & Honors

  • Sarasota Memorial is an American College of Radiology-designated Lung Cancer Screening Center.

  • The Sarasota Memorial Cancer Institute is also a Lung Cancer Alliance Screening Center of Excellence.

  • 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.