Lung Program

A program of:

• Virginia Piper Cancer Institute^®

The experts at the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute^®'s Lung Program help address the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of those with lung cancer and their families.

Your care team

To contact us with questions or to make an appointment, please call
612-863-7583.

Lung Nodule Clinic

Wherever and whenever a lung nodule is found, our experts offer the most coordinated and efficient care possible.

Our team of experienced health care professionals works together to ensure the best care possible for lung cancer patients.

They participate in monthly treatment planning conferences to review recent cases. This helps improve the consistency and quality of care.

Members of your care team also include a clinical research nurse; clinical social worker; physical and occupational therapist; and respiratory therapist.

Lung Cancer Screening Program

The Lung Cancer Screening Program is a collaboration between the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute^® – Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Consulting Radiologists. This program uses most advanced, state-of-the-art technology to find even the smallest lung abnormalities. Doctors from the Lung Program review the scan results and send you a letter with recommendations if needed.

Important details about the program include the following.

• Individuals must fit the NLST criteria to participate in this program. The criteria are: past or present smokers with a 30 pack per year smoking history between the ages of 55 and 74.
• Low-dose lung cancer screening CT scans are offered at Abbott Northwestern. You can self-pay and schedule without a referral for $150. This price includes the scan and interpretation.
• If you would like to inquire about insurance reimbursement, a referral from a primary doctor is necessary. Individuals must also contact their insurance provider to see if this service is covered by their medical plan.
• If follow-up is recommended, you may choose to see the doctors at the Lung Nodule Clinic at Virginia Piper Cancer Institute^® – Abbott Northwestern Hospital. This clinic is a collaboration between Minnesota Lung Center and Minnesota Oncology Thoracic Surgery. Appointments can be scheduled through the Lung Program at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

Advanced technology

The most current diagnostic and treatment equipment and procedures are available to the Lung Program at the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute^® - Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

These include spiral CT scans, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and video-assisted thorascopic surgery (VATS). VATS allows for a less invasive procedure than traditional thoracotomy, leading to a faster recovery and the ability to begin other treatments sooner. Additional technology includes SABR – stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for lung cancer (high dose/short course) and Rapid Arc (VMAT) treatment that provides IMRT in single or multiple arc therapy, reducing treatment daily session time by over half.