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Lung cancer screening saves lives. It’s the first step in detecting cancer early, but it isn’t the only step. If your lung cancer screening reveals a nodule, you’ll need further evaluation. And you’ll likely have many questions:

“How will I know if it’s cancer?”

“What happens next?”

“How soon can I get back to living my life?”

Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center is here to answer those questions and take the next step with you. We offer in-depth screening, expert diagnosis, and innovative treatment — no matter where you live. Personalized care is essential in effectively treating early-stage lung cancer.

Mayo Clinic offers expertise in all types and stages of lung cancer. But we know the best treatment for lung cancer starts with early detection, a precise diagnosis, and comprehensive care.

When you trust the Cancer Center with your early-stage lung cancer care, you can expect: 

• Recognized leader in lung cancer. We are a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, and the only comprehensive cancer center with three unique sites. We are also nationally accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC).
• Advanced expertise. Our experts are breaking new ground and improving patient outcomes by incorporating robotics whenever possible and earning dual certifications, which qualify us to pioneer new and unique procedures.
• Innovative procedures and treatment. Our single anesthetic surgery pathway allows us to take a tissue sample (biopsy), determine the cancer stage, and remove a cancerous mass during one procedure. People who aren’t candidates for single anesthetic surgery may be matched to the newest treatments in clinical trials using our advanced trial matching tool.
• Patient-centered approach. Our specialists value constant communication and meet regularly as a team to expedite and individualize your care. We work with you to create a care plan that considers your diagnosis, health, lifestyle, and goals.
• Comprehensive and convenient care. We provide multidisciplinary care, no matter where you live. We offer telemedicine and collaborate with your local providers to avoid repeated tests and procedures. We schedule your in-person visits so that no time is wasted, and you can return to your home and family as quickly as possible.

At Mayo Clinic, we understand the importance of detecting lung cancer early. The survival rate is 10 times greater than lung cancer diagnosed at a later stage. We prioritize lung cancer screening research, and our findings contribute to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s lung cancer screening recommendations.

Diagnosing lung cancer at an early stage requires expertise and experience. Our subspecialized radiologists have advanced training that helps them accurately identify suspicious lung nodules. Our pulmonologists assess any atypical findings to guide your next steps and help you avoid unnecessary procedures. If you had screening performed elsewhere, our thoracic surgeons and pulmonary specialists review the findings.

If a suspicious nodule requires further examination, your doctor collects a tissue sample (biopsy). They use a needle guided by a CT scan or perform a bronchoscopy, which involves a thin, hollow tube fitted with a camera (bronchoscope). Whenever possible, we perform biopsies robotically, which helps us reach previously inaccessible lung nodules. Your doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and even detect specific genetic changes during the procedure. This information guides us in creating an individualized treatment plan.

Our lung cancer team cares for almost 5,000 people with lung cancer each year. Our experts have experience with all types and stages of lung cancer. Studies show that cancer centers that treat a large number of people provide better patient outcomes.

Our personalized care plans include standard therapies and surgeries. We also offer groundbreaking treatments, including:

The single anesthetic lung surgery pathway incorporates biopsy, diagnosis, and treatment in one procedure for patients who meet certain criteria. Our team includes one of only a few doctors qualified to perform this procedure, Janani Reisenauer, M.D. Her dual certification in interventional pulmonology and thoracic surgery allows her to diagnose and remove cancerous masses within the same procedure, under the same anesthetic.

Dr. Reisenauer was also one of the first thoracic surgeons in the world to use robotic bronchoscopy. This advanced, minimally invasive procedure enables surgeons to access lung nodules that can’t be reached using traditional bronchoscopy.

The single anesthetic lung surgery pathway and use of robotic bronchoscopy improve outcomes while reducing:

• Delays in treatment

• Recovery time

• The number of procedures and time spent under anesthesia

• Time spent traveling

Our researchers investigate new ways to improve the diagnosis and treatment of early-stage lung cancer. Our robust clinical trial program gives you access to the newest treatments and techniques.

We use a sophisticated clinical trial matching tool that scans open Mayo Clinic trials to see if you might be eligible. Your lung cancer team includes clinical trial opportunities in your personalized care plan to provide you with options when appropriate.

Early-stage lung cancer is not always clear-cut. That’s why you need a treatment plan tailored to you. Specialists from many disciplines come together and combine treatments whenever appropriate to ensure you receive individualized care and resources. Your care team may include: 

• Pulmonary medicine specialists
• Thoracic surgeons
• Medical oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists
• Social workers

Our patient-centered approach to care emphasizes communication and collaboration. We work closely with your local physicians, no matter where you live. To reduce travel and time away from home, we use telehealth and expedite your in-person visits. Our goal is to get you back to living your life as soon as possible. 

Rochester

200 First St. SW, 

Rochester, MN 55905

507-538-3270

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