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Annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke, or have quit within the past 15 years.

Inova’s Lung Cancer Screening program is designed to detect cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. LDCT technology generates cross-sectional images of the body, using less ionizing radiation than a conventional CT scan.

Inova Lung Cancer Surgery badgeShould cancer be detected, a multidisciplinary team of board certified interventional pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons and thoracic medical and radiation oncologists work hand-in-hand to coordinate and manage your care. Inova patients have access to advanced medical technology including robotic-assisted bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), cutting-edge clinical trials, and world-class surgeons who regularly perform complex thoracic surgeries. We offer comprehensive, minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment options for lung cancer patients.

Lung Cancer Screening appointments can be made at any of these locations. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our program, please call 571-472-3500 or complete our online form.

Who should consider yearly screenings for America’s most deadly cancer?

Diagnostic screenings for those considered at-risk for lung cancer can save lives, but very few people get them done. Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the U.S., killing more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.

The Centers for Medicaid and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently expanded its coverage of LDCT to  improve health outcomes for people with lung cancer.

Take our free online Lung Cancer Risk Assessment

Larry's story: Lung cancer survivor thriving in his 80s

In his 80s, Larry bravely faced a lung cancer diagnosis with the expert support of the team at Inova Schar Cancer. In this video, he shares his journey—from diagnosis through treatment and recovery—reflecting on the compassion, innovation, and unwavering care he experienced throughout.

Lung cancer usually starts in the lining of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs), but can also begin in other areas of the respiratory system, including the trachea, bronchioles or alveoli. Lung cancers are believed to develop over a period of many years.

Nearly all lung cancers are carcinomas, a cancer that begins in the lining or covering tissues of an organ. The tumor cells of each type of lung cancer grow and spread differently, and each type requires different treatment.

Lung cancer usually does not cause symptoms when it first develops, but symptoms often become present after the tumor begins growing. A cough is the most common symptom of lung cancer. Other symptoms include:

  • Constant chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Recurring lung infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
  • Bloody or rust-colored sputum
  • Hoarseness
  • A tumor that presses on large blood vessels near the lung can cause swelling of the neck and face
  • A tumor that presses on certain nerves near the lung can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Fever for unknown reason

Like many other cancers, lung cancer can cause:

  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Loss of weight
  • Headache
  • Pain in other parts of the body not affected by the cancer
  • Bone fractures

Other symptoms can be caused by substances made by lung cancer cells – referred to as a paraneoplastic syndrome. For example, certain lung cancer cells produce a substance that causes a sharp drop in the level of sodium in the blood, which can cause many symptoms, including confusion and sometimes even coma.

None of these symptoms is a sure sign of lung cancer. Only a physician can tell whether a patient's symptoms are caused by cancer or by another problem.

View lung cancer treatment options available

Esophageal cancer is cancer that develops in the esophagus, the muscular 10- to 13-inch tube that connects the throat to the stomach.

The esophagus is located just behind the trachea and allows food to enter the stomach for digestion. The wall of the esophagus is made up of several layers and cancers generally start from the inner layer and grow out.

Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of esophageal cancer. Symptoms do not appear until the disease is more advanced. The following symptoms are the most common of esophageal cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

  • Difficult or painful swallowing, known as dysphagia, is the most common symptom of esophageal cancer. Dysphagia gives a sensation of having food lodged in the chest.
  • Pain in the throat or back, behind the breastbone or between the shoulder blades
  • Severe weight loss due to the unintentional lack of not getting enough food
  • Hoarseness or chronic cough that does not go away within two weeks
  • Vomiting
  • Blood in stool or black-looking stools
  • Heartburn

None of these symptoms is a sure sign of lung cancer. Only a physician can tell whether a patient's symptoms are caused by cancer or by another problem.

View esophageal cancer treatment options available

Clinical trials in cancer

Adult and pediatric cancer patients receiving care from Inova Thoracic Oncology Program have access to promising investigational drugs and therapies through a variety of clinical research trials.  See the latest in clinical trials