Lung Cancer Care at Valley Health
Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment
Lung cancer begins when abnormal cells in the lungs grow without control. These cells can form a tumor and may spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body.
Risk Factors
You may have a higher risk of lung cancer if you:
- Smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke
- Have contact with radon, asbestos, or other harmful substances
- Have a family history of lung cancer
Connect With Our Cancer Care Team
Valley Health’s Cancer Center offers nationally accredited care close to home in Virginia and West Virginia.
Call 855-9-VH-HOPE (855-984-4673) to schedule a screening or learn more.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Contact your doctor if you notice any of these signs:
- A cough that does not go away or gets worse over time
- Chest pain that is constant or increases with deep breathing
- Hoarseness or changes in your voice
- Shortness of breath during routine activities
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
- Frequent lung infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Feeling tired or weak without a clear reason
Why Choose Valley Health for Lung Cancer Care
- Recognized Excellence: Winchester Medical Center is the first hospital in Virginia designated as a Care Continuum Center of Excellence by the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer.
- Comprehensive Team Approach: Your care is coordinated by specialists in pulmonary medicine, thoracic surgery, oncology, radiology, and radiation therapy.
- Advanced Diagnostic Technology: We offer robot-assisted bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), and other minimally invasive tools for accurate diagnosis and staging.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Our surgeons use video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robotic techniques to reduce recovery time and improve outcomes.
- Personalized Support: A dedicated patient navigator guides you through every step of your care, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up.
- Close-to-Home Care: Access nationally accredited cancer care and advanced technology at Valley Health locations in Virginia and West Virginia.
Early Detection and Diagnosis
Finding lung cancer early makes treatment more effective. Adults with a history of smoking are at high risk and may benefit from our low-dose CT lung screening program, available at all Valley Health hospitals.
If a scan shows an abnormal spot or nodule, further evaluation may include a biopsy. Our Lung Nodule Clinic helps patients get quick assessments and next steps.
The Lung Nodule Clinic team includes specialists in:
- Pulmonary and thoracic medicine
- Diagnostic and interventional radiology
- Radiation oncology
- Medical oncology
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Winchester Medical Center uses leading-edge tools for accurate diagnosis, including:
- Robot-assisted bronchoscopy with the Intuitive Surgical ION™ Endoluminal System, allowing minimally invasive biopsies in hard-to-reach areas
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for diagnosis and staging in one procedure
- Technology to mark lung lesions for precise radiation therapy or surgery
Treatment Options
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your needs. Options may include:
- Surgery: Surgery is often the best choice when cancer has not spread widely. At Winchester Medical Center, we offer minimally invasive techniques such as:
- Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)
- Robot-assisted thoracic surgery
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation may be used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells. It can also relieve symptoms and may be combined with chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are given through an IV. They may be used before or after surgery or as the main treatment when surgery is not possible.
