Lung Nodule Clinic
Nearly 250,000 Americans will develop lung cancer each year, yet only one in five survive, with one person dying every four minutes. Unfortunately, only 17% of lung cancer cases are detected at an early stage, when it is most curable.
It is well established that advanced-stage cancers can result in increased mortality rates. Therefore, a prompt systematic, organized evaluation of all newly-discovered lung nodules is critical. Early detection of lung cancer is the key to improving patient outcomes.
The Lung Nodule Clinic in the Lung Cancer Early Detection Program is directed toward evaluating patients with indeterminant (undiagnosed), newly-discovered lung nodules ranging from 6 mm-50 mm in size. All incidentally-discovered lung nodules deserve prompt evaluation since a significant number may be early-stage, likely curable lung cancers.
Our clinic includes a highly-experienced thoracic surgeon and advanced practice professionals. We use a standardized approach for patient evaluation including:
- Commercial diagnostic biomarkers
- Validated lung cancer risk algorithms
- Fleischner Society and NCCN lung nodule management guidelines
Lung nodules that have a high probability of malignancy will undergo either invasive diagnostic evaluation (robotic or navigational bronchoscopic biopsy, endobronchial ultrasound or endoesophageal ultrasound-guided biopsy or CT-guided biopsy) or, if appropriate, referral for potential surgical biopsy by one of our five highly-experienced lung cancer surgeons.
Our renowned team will follow nodules deemed low-risk according to standard guidelines with prompt written clinical assessments sent regularly to referring physicians. Our integrated, standardized and consistent approach will speed up the diagnosis of indeterminant lung nodules, yet prevent unnecessary testing, biopsies and delays.
The Lung Nodule Clinic provides the evaluation, treatment (if indicated) and follow-up for lung nodule patients. This comprehensive service allows pulmonologists, oncologists, internists and family practice physicians the opportunity to have their patients carefully evaluated, promptly treated and followed as necessary but still allow those patients to continue their regular medical care by their personal physicians.
To refer a patient to the Moffitt Lung Nodule Clinic or for more information, please complete our online form or contact a physician liaison for assistance or support. Moffitt is committed to providing short response times and responds to most referrals on the same business day they are received.