Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through our mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate.
Lung Cancer
Ochsner Health is Louisiana's leader in lung cancer care.
Why choose Ochsner for lung cancer care?
Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center is recognized as a national leader in lung cancer care. As Louisiana's only program affiliated with UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, and one of only seven network partners, Ochsner combines local, accessible cancer care with the treatment protocols, specialist depth and research network of the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care.
Ochsner was the first hospital in Louisiana to offer robotic-assisted bronchoscopy for lung biopsy, and the first hospital in the Gulf South to perform a lung biopsy and tumor resection under a single anesthetic. With our single-event anesthesia program, Ochsner surgeons are able to diagnose and treat lung cancer on the same day. This helps patients avoid weeks of diagnostic tests followed by treatments.
Ochsner's lung surgery team also conducts and participates in leading-edge clinical trials to continue to push research forward and develop newer and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat all forms of lung cancer.
Ochsner's team treats hundreds of lung cancer patients each year. Our expertise builds on a legacy that began in 1939, when Dr. Alton Ochsner, one of Ochsner Health's founders, became one of the first physicians to identify the link between tobacco use and lung cancer. He spent the rest of his career educating the public about the dangers of smoking, a commitment that still shapes how Ochsner Health approaches lung cancer prevention and care today.
How is Ochsner recognized for excellence in lung cancer care?
Ochsner Medical Center’s pulmonary and lung surgery service lines are ranked No. 47 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Ochsner is rated "High Performing" in lung cancer surgery.
Ochsner Health's lung cancer program has earned a "High Performing" designation from U.S. News & World Report for lung cancer surgery.
Ochsner's radiation department is accredited by the American College of Radiology.
The thoracic surgery program at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans is recognized as a 3-star program for lobectomy and lung cancer resection by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. This places the program in the top 2.5% of programs in North America who report their data to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and is a measure of program quality and outcomes.
What sets Ochsner's lung cancer program apart?
Nationally recognized program
Ochsner is rated "High Performing" in lung cancer surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Ochsner Medical Center’s pulmonary and lung surgery service lines are the only such programs in Louisiana in the Top 50 nationwide.
Single anesthesia event
Ochsner was the first hospital in the Gulf South to perform a single anesthesia event, which allows patients to receive a lung cancer diagnosis and begin treatment in the same visit. Ochsner was also the first hospital in Louisiana to offer the Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy for lung biopsy.
Multidisciplinary clinic
Our multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, pulmonologists, radiation oncologists and thoracic surgeons meets regularly to review each patient's case and determine a personalized treatment plan.
Quality outcomes
Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans' thoracic surgery program is recognized as a 3-star program for lobectomy and lung cancer resection by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. This puts our program in the top 2.5% of programs in North America who report their data to STS.
Patient-centered care
We pair each patient with a nurse navigator and a thoracic oncology coordinator who guides patients through every aspect of care. Our coordinator helps schedule appointments, meets with patients and helps connect them with their care team.
Access to clinical trials
Ochsner's teams lead and participate in leading-edge clinical trials that advance how physicians prevent, diagnose and treat every form of lung cancer. Through our partnership with MD Anderson, our patients have access to more than 700 active clinical trials.
Meet our team
Our multidisciplinary lung cancer team includes experts who specialize in all aspects of lung cancer care.
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Lung cancer conditions and treatments
Ochsner's team treats several lung conditions, and collaborates to determine the best treatment for each patient.
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Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center
Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center provides patients in the region access to cancer treatments that are among the most advanced in the nation.
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Patient resources
Have questions? We're here to help. Explore our resources for cancer patients.
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How is Ochsner advancing lung cancer care through innovation?
Who is eligible for a lung cancer screening?
Ochsner Health aims to ensure lung screening is available to patients across Louisiana. You may qualify for a lung cancer screening if you:
• Are between 50 and 80 years old
• Are a smoker, or quit smoking less than 15 years ago
• Have a smoking history of at least 20 years
• Are healthy enough to tolerate treatment intended to cure early-stage lung cancer
• Are healthy enough to have a CT or biopsy if we find anything suspicious
If you think you might qualify for a lung cancer screening, please call us at (504) 842-LUNG (5864) to schedule.
It was very comforting to me to see (Dr. Susan) Gunn and (Dr. Brian) Pettiford working together so well and letting us know exactly what was going to happen. Having the biopsy and the surgery under one anesthesia was a relief to me.
Anne E., single-anesthesia event lung cancer patient
Because I had the CAT scans, we found (lung cancer) early enough to deal with it in a manner that was not life threatening or life altering. That’s the key.
Sally C., single-anesthesia event lung cancer patient
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the risk factors for lung cancer?
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What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
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Who should be screened for lung cancer?
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Are lung nodules a sign of cancer?