Advanced lung cancer treatment in Augusta, Georgia

Doctors Hospital of Augusta is committed to providing lung cancer screenings to facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Our physicians remain on the forefront of new treatments in radiation therapy and robot-assisted surgery.

To learn more about lung cancer prevention and treatment options, please call our lung nodule coordinator (706) 651-3633.

Recognition

Doctors Hospital of Augusta is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for our radiation oncology services. This acknowledges our staff for meeting and following high-quality medical standards in radiation therapy and our commitment to patient safety.

Why choose us for lung cancer care

The cancer program at our hospital treats many different types of cancer but provides even more specialized care for our patients with lung cancer. Our cancer specialists know that lung cancer often demands more complex treatments than other forms of cancer. This is why we provide a continuum of care that spans from our free lung cancer screening program to minimally invasive cancer treatment options. Our lung cancer program offers:

  • Advanced imaging and biopsy technologies
  • Cancer support services
  • Fast time to diagnosis and treatment after discovering a suspicious spot on a lung
  • Low-Dose computerized tomography (CT) scans for lung cancer screening
  • Minimally invasive treatment options like our robotic 3D navigational bronchoscopy
  • Multidisciplinary approach to care from a team of oncologists, pulmonologists and pathologists, surgeons, and oncology nurse navigator

Lung cancer screening program

The sooner lung cancer is found the better. We want cancer treatment to begin in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable. Lung cancer often does not present any symptoms in its early stages, which is why it frequently goes undetected until it advances. At Doctors Hospital, we offer a free Low-Dose CT lung cancer screening program to honor our commitment to the early detection of lung cancer.

A low-dose CT scan is a non-invasive, painless imaging exam that only takes a few minutes to complete. By receiving this screening exam, we can identify lung abnormalities in much earlier stages—far before symptom onset.

Talk to your Primary Care Provider to see if you qualify for this free screening.

Qualifying for lung cancer screening

CT screenings for lung cancer are available for patients who are:

  • 45 to 74 years old and an active or former smoker with a minimum of a 30 pack-year history of smoking
  • 50 years old or older with a 20 pack-year (or less) smoking history and one of the following:
    • Family history of lung cancer
    • History of lung disease
    • Occupational exposure to known cancer-causing chemicals
    • Radon exposure

A 30 pack-year history is equivalent to one pack of cigarettes per day for 30 years, two packs per day for 15 years, etc.

If you are 50 years old or older and want to find out if you meet the criteria for lung cancer screening, please call our Consult-A-Nurse team at (800) 352-6762. To schedule your lung cancer screening, please call our centralized scheduling line at (877) 357-0159.

Our team approach to care

The specialists that make up our lung cancer team work together to rapidly diagnose lung tumors and form a personalized treatment plan for every patient. We know the importance in beginning treatment as soon as possible.

With access to the latest in advanced technologies and lung cancer treatments, even our patients with advanced stage cancer or those who have gone through previous treatment can experience better quality of life. Our treatments not only aim to eradicate cancerous cells and tumors but also provide relief from symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, coughing and chest pain.

Our staff is a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals with expertise in:

  • Interventional pulmonology
  • Medical oncology
  • Pathology
  • Radiation oncology
  • Respiratory therapy
  • Thoracic surgery

Fast time from diagnosis to treatment

We are proud to be a regional leader in the CSRA for lung cancer care. We recognize how crucial time becomes when a suspicious spot is found on a lung. Our team is committed to connecting patients to the care they need fast. Our goal is for our patients to see a specialist within two business days of a referral to a lung cancer specialist. This allows our patients to receive a rapid diagnosis so treatment planning can begin as soon as possible.

For more information about how we connect patients to top-level care or to make a referral, please call our lung nodule coordinator (706) 651-3633.

Advanced diagnostic technology

Our center uses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to detect and diagnose even the smallest of lung tumors. We use a variety of imaging techniques, including:

  • Computerized tomography (CT) scans
  • Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Positron emission tomography (PET)/computerized tomography (CT)

If an abnormality is confirmed on an imaging exam, we may perform a needle or surgical biopsy to confirm a lung cancer diagnosis. We may also use a special type of 3D navigational robotic bronchoscopy to create a 3D virtual roadmap to the lung spot being biopsied. This allows our doctors to perform a biopsy that is less invasive for the patient while still ensuring an accurate diagnosis.

Treatments for lung cancer

Our doctors develop an individualized treatment plan for every patient, which may include:

In addition to treatments for lung cancer, we also perform treatments to reduce symptoms associated with lung cancer. This may include laser bronchoscopy and airway stenting, both of which open up the airways for easier breathing.

Cancer support services

We know that receiving a lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. To help ease your mind, we have a dedicated oncology nurse navigator who is the go-to source for patients to discuss all their questions and concerns. Our patients are always just a call away from valuable information and access to resources to help them navigate cancer care.

In addition to being an information source, our cancer navigator helps patients connect with:

  • Community resources, such as transportation and prescription drug assistance
  • Financial counselors
  • Social workers
  • Support groups
To contact our oncology nurse navigator, please call (706) 651-4567.