Lung Cancer Treatment

Until recently, a diagnosis of lung cancer usually meant a poor prognosis, especially since lung cancer symptoms don’t appear until the disease has progressed. Now, with new early detection tools and innovative treatment options, the outlook has never been better.

Our Keyserling Cancer Center in Beaufort and New River Cancer Center in Okatie are staffed by some of the Lowcountry’s leading lung cancer specialists. Together, these dedicated teams—including board-certified pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, specialized nurses and others—will work with you to create the best possible treatment plan.

We specialize in minimizing pain and side effects, so you can focus on getting well. And you have access to leading cancer clinical trials, a full range of cancer support services, including your own nurse navigator and social worker to guide you every step of the way.

Learn about screening and, if you meet the guidelines, ask your doctor about the possible need for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening. A physician referral is required. To learn more and schedule an appointment in Beaufort or Okatie call 843-522-5015 or find a lung cancer specialist anytime online.

Surgery

Surgery is performed to remove the lung tumor as well as nearby lymph nodes in the chest to check for signs of cancer. It is typically used for early-stage lung cancer, when the disease has not spread, and in some cases may completely cure the cancer. Beaufort Memorial’s partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC Health) ensures a highly coordinated approach to your treatment plan and surgical care.

Radiation Therapy

Beaufort Memorial uses the most advanced radiation technology available to target lung tumors with extreme precision. That includes external-beam therapy with our top-of-the-line TruBeam linear accelerator – a machine that focuses high-dose radiation directly on the tumor, while minimizing side effects and damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Use our online contact form if you have questions or would like to schedule a consult or second opinion. You are also welcome to speak with our staff at 843-522-7800 in Beaufort or 843-273-7980 in Okatie.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells with powerful medicines delivered in varied cycles through either an IV or a pill. Chemotherapy has been shown to improve both the length and the quality of life for people with lung cancer of all stages. Whenever possible, Beaufort Memorial uses newer medications that help maximize results and minimize side effects.

Immunotherapy

Recent FDA-approved drug therapies give people the ability to fight lung cancer using the body’s natural defense mechanism: the immune system. Immunotherapy works by making hidden cancer calls visible to the immune system, allowing white blood cells to fight and kill them. Studies have shown immunotherapy drugs to be well tolerated with minimal side effects, and when combined with more traditional treatments, the drugs have doubled lung cancer survival rates.