Lung Cancer Surgery
Lung cancer is life-changing. When you have this condition, countless questions and concerns can come with it. From wondering about your treatment options to the timing of your care, there are likely many thoughts swirling through your mind.
At Cleveland Clinic London, we’re here to help. We offer prompt appointments so your care can start swiftly. And our compassionate experts are leaders in their field who take the time to answer your questions. Working as a team, we guide you through your care — getting you what you need, when you need it.
Why Choose Us for Lung Cancer Treatment?
Collaborative care:
Our expert, industry-leading thoracic (lung and airway) surgeons work alongside pulmonologists, oncologists and radiologists to give you personalised, comprehensive care. We also collaborate with other specialists, such as colorectal surgeons and kidney specialists (nephrologists), to coordinate treatment for secondary cancers. Meet our team.
Trusted experts:
We’re known for our success in treating rare and complex conditions. We’re also home to some of the U.K.’s most experienced robotic-assisted thoracic surgery consultants.
Minimally invasive options:
We can often treat early-stage, primary lung cancer by removing the smallest necessary amount of tissue. This optimises lung function and is especially helpful if you already have chronic lung disease or other medical conditions. Using minimally invasive options can often help you recover faster and with less pain.
Team approach:
Teamwork is vital. We bring our experts together to evaluate new cases — meeting weekly. This streamlines the process and allows us to promptly move you toward surgery after your initial consultation, if needed.
Chest and Lung Tumours We Treat at Cleveland Clinic London
Our consultants are experts in diagnosing and treating many types of lung cancers and chest tumours, including:
- Primary lung cancer: Tumours that start in your lungs
- Secondary lung cancer: Tumours that spread (metastasise) from other areas, like your colon, rectum or kidneys
- Chest wall and mediastinal tumours: Cancerous or noncancerous tumours that form in the protective tissue surrounding your heart, liver and lungs
- Mesothelioma: A rare condition where growths form in the lining of your lungs and chest wall (mesothelium)
- Thymoma and thymic carcinoma: Rare cancers affecting the thymus gland behind your breastbone
Second opinions and virtual consultations
People from all over the world turn to our consultants for second opinions about their diagnosis or treatment plan. We provide you with answers guided by research and decades of experience. And you don’t always have to travel to us to get the information you need. Virtual visits let you meet with a consultant online from the comfort and convenience of your home.
Lung Cancer Screening
If you’ve ever smoked and are between the ages of 55 and 74, you may be eligible for lung cancer screening and consultation with one of our respiratory consultants. This imaging test checks for early signs of cancer before you start noticing symptoms.
If the test uncovers a suspicious growth, we offer all the services you may need, including advanced studies to confirm or rule out lung cancer.
Consultants Who Treat Lung Cancer
Locations
Our consultants see patients in modern and technologically advanced facilities in the heart of London.Lung Cancer Treatments
Our expert consultants provide a wide range of diagnostic tests and procedures to meet your needs.
Bronchoscopy
In this procedure, our consultants use a slender tube with a camera and instruments at the end (bronchoscope). We slide the device down your airway to get a better view of your lungs. This can help us diagnose and sometimes treat lung cancer.
We also offer specific bronchoscopy procedures, including:
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS): In this procedure, we use an imaging device at the end of the bronchoscope to help us look beyond surface layers of tissue. This allows us to see how big the tumour is and pinpoint where it’s located. During this procedure, we may also take a tissue sample (biopsy).
- Navigational bronchoscopy: During this version of the procedure, we use GPS-like technology to reach tissue, including small tumours, deep inside your lungs. We also deliver other nonsurgical treatments, like radiofrequency ablation (RFA), that can destroy cancer cells using high-frequency radio waves.
Minimally invasive lung-sparing surgery
Your lungs have five sections, or lobes — two lobes on the left lung and three on the right lung. Instead of removing the entire lung, we may remove one of the lobes (lobectomy) or part of a lobe (segmentectomy). These procedures lower the risk of long-term complications, like difficulty breathing, and can help you recover quickly.
Our consultants are experts in all forms of minimally invasive lung cancer surgery, including:
- Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS): In this procedure, surgeons slide a tiny camera through a small incision in your chest and additional instruments through other small incisions. The camera provides a live video feed that helps the surgeon carry out the procedure.
- Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery: This option offers the highest level of precision. It uses a 3D camera and wrist controls that interpret the slightest movement of the surgeon’s hands.
After your operation, recovery starts in our technologically advanced intensive care unit (ICU). While you’re in the ICU, specially trained nurses carefully monitor you and on-site consultants will manage your needs 24/7. Our lung surgeons will also check on you daily.
Additional treatments
Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are often necessary after lung cancer surgery. If you aren’t eligible for surgery, you may benefit from these services in addition to radiotherapy.
Our partnership with The London Clinic gives you easy access to nonsurgical treatments. Their consultants collaborate with our team of specialists so you get the care you need. We communicate with them closely throughout your care.
How Much Does Lung Cancer Care Cost at Cleveland Clinic London?
We offer several ways to pay for your treatment, including self-pay and private medical insurance. If you’re coming to us from another country, our Global Patient Services can help coordinate your care.
What’s Next?
A lung cancer diagnosis can stop you in your tracks. It can leave you wondering many things. At Cleveland Clinic London, we’re here to answer your questions and guide you forward. Our compassionate and expert lung cancer consultants and surgeons will provide the most advanced testing and treatments to make sure you get the best care possible.
Contact us or call +44 20 3423 7500 for more information about lung cancer services.
Appointments
Ready to see us? We’re ready for you and look forward to the opportunity to assist with your needs. We’re available to take your call Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. You’re also welcome to request an appointment online.
Self-Pay
We offer convenient self-pay services. But what does that mean? With this option, you’ll benefit from transparent pricing, access to unparalleled care, and the expertise of our consultants.
Private Insurance
Need help using your private insurance? We make it easy to get your referral, authorisation and make sure everything’s covered so you can come into your appointment with one less thing to worry about.
