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Lung cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed and deadliest forms of cancer, but doctors say finding it early can make a major difference. “If we catch it early, the chance of cure is much higher,” said Dr. Darren Rohan, The Medical Director of Thoracic Surgery at the Lee Health Heart Institute.
That process often starts with a low-dose CT scan. If the scan shows a suspicious nodule, physicians can use advanced technology, including ION robotic bronchoscopy, to reach small areas of the lung and collect a tissue sample.
“In your lungs, it will map out all the airways and actually create a path to the nodule that we mark,” said Dr. Jordan Taillon, a pulmonary and critical care physician with Lee Health.
Once the robotic system reaches the nodule, doctors can take a biopsy and send the tissue to pathology. “From there, we can put out our biopsy, take tissue, send it off to the pathologist, and within 10 minutes, have a diagnosis,” Dr. Taillon said.
If cancer is found and the patient is a good candidate for surgery, cardiothoracic surgeons may be able to remove the cancer while it is still in an earlier stage. “If we can get it out early, there’s a 90 to 95% chance of curing lung cancer,” Dr. Rohan said.
Some patients may still need additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. Through the Lee Health Cancer Institute, patients also have access to support services that may include nurse navigators, social workers, dietitians, rehabilitation, the Cancer Support Community and more.
“We try to think of everything that possibly could be affected and offer programs to help the patients at that time,” said Dr. Mark Roh, The President of Oncology Services at Lee Health.
By combining screening, advanced diagnostic tools, surgery and supportive care, doctors say more patients have a better chance to face lung cancer with a clear plan from diagnosis through treatment.
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Lee Health in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of health care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For more than 100 years, we’ve been providing our community with personalized preventative health services and primary care to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.
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