Lung cancer at Medical City Plano

Medical City Center for Lung Health

The Center for Lung Health at Medical City Plano is a clinic designed to serve the patients in our community while improving lung cancer outcomes. Our primary goal is to increase early stage detection and curative treatment through lung cancer screening, by expediting the follow-up of suspicious lung nodules.

We work to minimize risk to patients by providing a clear clinical pathway, beginning with screening and assisting with navigation of findings, diagnosis and treatment with our multidisciplinary team. The goal of the program is to detect lung nodules, diagnose lung cancer at an earlier stage, and ultimately, save lives. We also offer tobacco cessation services.

Our location

Medical City Center for Lung Health

4001 W. 15th Street, Suite 180-A

Plano, TX 75093

Phone: (833) 624-LUNG (5864) or (214) 473-7300

Lung cancer screening

A lung cancer screening is intended to identify lung cancer at an early stage, when treatment is often less invasive and more effective. Lung screening, like other forms of cancer screening, is recommended as an annual exam for high-risk individuals.

Screening for lung cancer involves a low-dose CT (CAT) scan, which takes a picture of your lungs. This type of screening is fast, painless and non-invasive.

Who should get a lung cancer screening?

Screenings are recommended for certain groups of people who are at high risk for lung cancer, including:

• People who are between 50 and 80 years old
• Those who have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history and are current smokers or have quit within the past 15 years

Lung cancer screening is covered by most insurance providers as a preventive service for individuals at high risk. Ask your healthcare provider to order the exam if you think you may qualify. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.

Comprehensive Lung Nodule Program

The results of your screening exam will be made available to you and your physician, who will discuss any concerning findings. With your permission, your doctor will also consult with a multidisciplinary team of lung experts, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and radiologists. These specialists review each unique case as a team and draw from their individual expertise to create the most comprehensive, targeted and effective treatment plans for patients.

Navigating incidental findings

Patients often undergo CT scans for various conditions and injuries. In some cases, these scans find something different than or in addition to what the patient was originally being treated for. These are called “incidental findings” and they can literally save patients’ lives.

Medical City Plano uses proprietary software that reads radiology reports looking for keywords such as “nodule.” The identification of incidental lung nodules or other suspicious findings can help detect lung cancers before symptoms appear, when they’re at an earlier stage and when they’re often more treatable.

Patients and their physicians are then notified about potential conditions that may need additional follow-up, resulting in better outcomes.