Lung cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, and is highly treatable. It can be treated through surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This cancer is strongly linked to a history of smoking, so you should seek lung cancer screening to determine your risk of developing this disease.
Lung cancer care in Nashville, Tennessee
Our collaborative team of lung cancer specialists help guide you through every step of your cancer journey.
At TriStar Centennial Medical Center, we partner with Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute to provide compassionate care during your cancer journey. We understand your diagnosis is challenging and our dedicated specialists, nurse navigators and support professionals offer several resources to meet your needs.
Have cancer questions?
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute
As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Network of HCA Healthcare, our family of facilities offer integrated cancer programs with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for those facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology experts ensure you have access to locally-trusted care with the support of a globally-recognized network.
askSARAH Helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (352) 339-7000.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Symptoms of lung cancer
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer vary by type and cancer stage. Some symptoms may include:
- A lingering or worsening cough
- Chest pain after breathing deeply
- Confusion
- Coughing up phlegm or blood
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Hoarseness
- Muscle Weakness
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained loss of appetite or weight loss
- Vomiting
- Weakness and fatigue
- Wheezing
Lung cancer treatments we provide
Our lung cancer experts provide a variety of treatment options that are personalized to the unique needs of each patient. We begin with a thorough evaluation and follow up with diagnostic procedures to find the best option for your cancer treatment.
Lung cancer screening
We offer advanced imaging services for patients at risk of lung cancer. Many tests are non-invasive, painless and only take a few minutes to complete. Some of the ways we improve lung cancer screenings for our patients include:
- Participating in the Radiation Right initiative, a program that minimizes radiation use and further safeguards your health.
- Performing minimally invasive biopsies, including some options for robotic surgery.
- Using robotic endoscopic technology, a technique allowing oncologists to view the lungs and perform biopsies with more accurate results than other comparable methods.
Routine computerized tomography (CT) scans
We offer CT lung cancer screenings for people at risk of lung cancer. These scans can help detect cancer in current and former smokers as well as other high-risk individuals.
Regular lung screenings increase our chances of detecting cancer at a treatable stage. The American Cancer Society recommends routine scans for people who:
- Are between 50 and 80 years old and
- Are smokers (or quit smoking within the last 15 years) and
- Have a 20 pack-year (or greater) smoking history
If you have symptoms of lung cancer — fever, chest pain, new shortness of breath, new or changing cough, coughing up blood and unexplained, significant weight loss — talk to your doctor right away. Don't wait for a routine screening.
Lung cancer treatment
Our oncologists work with a team of lung surgeons, pulmonologists and nurse navigators to develop your treatment plan. The best approach for your care may incorporate one or more of these methods:
- Chemotherapy (using cancer-fighting drugs to slow or stop the growth of malignant cells)
- Radiation therapy (using radiation to eliminate cancer cells)
- Surgery (removing a tumor and/or partly or completely removing an organ to prevent the spread of cancer)
Smoking cessation classes
We offer support and resources for cancer patients, including smoking cessation classes for people who need help living a tobacco-free life.
We offer quarterly classes which focus on:
- Building motivation by weighing the pros and cons of smoking
- Discovering personal and health-related reasons to quit
- Studying the complexity of the smoking habit
- Forming a plan for quitting based on observed patterns
- Learning about approaches for dealing with urges to smoke
- Exploring long-term strategies to stay smoke-free
We use the three-link chain of addiction model to help people quit smoking. Through this approach, we address the physical, mental and social aspects of addiction.
Register for smoking cessation classes
Registration for smoking cessation classes opens 30 days before the class start date. A $50 nonrefundable registration fee is required to register.
To register or for more information, call TriStar MedLine at (800) 242-5662. You can also register for a smoking cessation class online.
Attend a smoking cessation class
Smoking cessation classes take place at the TriStar Centennial Sports Medicine Wellness Gym located at:
2410 Patterson St., Suite 100
Nashville, TN 37203
Free parking is available in front of the building.
Looking for a location?
Our Lung cancer Locations
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