Comprehensive care for chest and lung cancers
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What is your cancer center known for?
Your doctor and care team get to know you well, and you’ll receive care for the whole person – from physical health and well-being to mental and emotional health. At Ascension Saint Thomas, we provide innovative medication treatments, the latest surgical technologies and techniques, high-tech radiation facilities and support services. When you choose Ascension Saint Thomas, you get a national team of experienced cancer specialists, sharing best practices and the latest in cancer care knowledge and research.
At Ascension Saint Thomas, we provide many primary and advanced treatments for lung cancer, esophageal cancer and chest cancers, including:
- Chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for staging and lung cancer management
- Immunotherapy and targeted genomic drug therapy
- Lung resection surgery
- Radiation therapy: stereotactic ablative radiation therapy and abstract radiation therapy
- Robotic surgery with Gamma Knife(R) technology
- Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)
- Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy
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What tests are used to diagnose lung cancer?
Your care team focuses on identifying if the tumor is non-invasive or invasive, and to understand where the tumor began and whether or not the cancer has spread. Diagnostic blood testing, chest imaging and a biopsy of lung cells help your doctor diagnose your condition and stage even the most rare cancers. And we use advanced molecular studies to recognize lung cancer subtypes to create a care plan for your type of cancer.
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Who is on my cancer care team?
Hearing the word cancer comes with a lot of thoughts and emotions, and we’re ready to support you. You'll meet with your doctor to discuss your diagnosis and your care options. At Ascension Saint Thomas, your care team may include:
- Pulmonary medicine specialist
- Thoracic surgeon
- Medical oncologist
- Lung nurse navigator
- Oncology-dedicated dietitian and social worker
- Palliative care specialist
- Radiation oncologist
- Radiologist
- Respiratory therapist
Together, we will decide on a care plan. And your entire care team will stay connected throughout your care to discuss your treatment and progress.
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Who should I contact when I have questions?
When you choose Ascension Saint Thomas for your cancer care, you get an entire team dedicated to your care. You may have a lot of concerns and questions. Your doctor and care navigator are ready to listen and answer your questions. Working together, we offer services that help support your treatment plan, including managing pain and other symptoms, medications, appetite changes, sleeplessness, fatigue and mood changes. Your entire care team stays connected throughout your care to discuss your treatment and progress.
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Is financial assistance and support available?
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care navigator can connect you to a financial counselor.
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Where do I park?
At Ascension Saint Thomas cancer centers and clinics we offer convenient parking, by a valet if needed. Talk to your care navigator if you have transportation needs.
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My doctor told me about an enhanced recovery program, what is that?
Surgical oncologists and anesthesiologists provide enhanced recovery pathways as part of your care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatment to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.