A Simple CT Scan Saved a Patient’s Life

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65-year-old Donna Rigby woke up with one side of her face severely swollen and was struggling to breathe. A trip to the Emergency Department at Jersey Shore University Medical Center led to a life-changing discovery. While treating her for what appeared to be an allergic reaction, an ER physician ordered a CT scan of her chest due to her shortness of breath. The scan revealed a tumor in Donna’s lung, which turned out to be stage 2 lung cancer.

A multidisciplinary team, including thoracic surgeon Thomas L. Bauer, M.D., and oncologist Michael J. Levitt, M.D., developed a two-pronged approach to her treatment. First, Donna underwent immuno-oncology, a powerful combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy designed to shrink the tumor by harnessing her own immune system. This innovative treatment helps the body's natural defenses recognize and attack cancer cells.

Following the successful immuno-oncology therapy, Donna was a candidate for a robotic-assisted right upper lobectomy. This minimally invasive surgical technique allows surgeons to remove the cancerous portion of the lung with enhanced precision through smaller incisions. The benefits of this approach often include a quicker recovery, less pain, and reduced bleeding compared to traditional surgery.

“Using advanced immuno-oncology treatments before surgery helps your immune system recognize and fight lung tumors early,” says Dr. Levitt. “This innovative approach brings the latest breakthroughs in cancer care close to home, offering more options, better outcomes and renewed hope for every patient.”

Dr. Bauer added, “Robotic surgery represents a significant leap forward in thoracic surgery. Our goal is to get patients like Donna back to work and back to their families as quickly and safely as possible.”

Donna, who had previously battled colon cancer in 2004, rang the bell at the Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris HOPE Tower, signifying the end of her treatment, grateful for the advanced care she received. Her story is a powerful testament to the importance of early detection and the life-saving potential of modern cancer treatments.

Read More About Donna’s Lung Cancer Journey

The Importance of Lung Cancer Screenings

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, but when detected at an early stage, it is more likely to be treated successfully. Screening for individuals at high risk can significantly reduce the mortality rate from lung cancer.

Are you at high risk for lung cancer? Screening is typically recommended for:

• Adults between the ages of 50 and 80
• Currently smoke or quit smoking within the past 15 years
• Have a 20 pack-year smoking history (for example, you smoked one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years)

Lung cancer screenings are covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans for individuals who meet these criteria. Talk to your doctor and take our Health Risk Assessment test to see if a lung cancer screening is right for you. Early detection can save lives.

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