Lung Cancer Service

We provide specialist care and support for people who may have lung cancer, from your very first urgent referral through to diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Our multidisciplinary team (MDT) works across Hillingdon, Mount Vernon and Harefield hospitals to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Most patients come to us via an Urgent Suspected Cancer referral (sometimes called a 'two-week wait'). This means your GP has seen symptoms or a scan that need investigating quickly.

This does not always mean you have cancer, but we need to run tests quickly, in order to find out.

Step 1: Your Referral

You have been referred to us by your GP or a hospital doctor, often via the Urgent Suspected Cancer ('two-week wait') pathway.

Step 2: Straight to CT scan - expect contact

Shortly after your referral, you should expect to be contacted to attend for a CT scan. Having these images ready for your first specialist appointment allows our team to provide a more timely diagnosis.

You may receive a phone call, text, or digital letter via the DrDoctor portal.

It is vital to attend this scan promptly to avoid delays in your care journey.

Step 3: Your first specialist appointment

You will meet a consultant and a specialist nurse to discuss your symptoms and the findings from your initial scans, and you will meet a specialist to discuss your symptoms and history.

You may have a physical exam. Please bring a list of your current medications.

We will decide which tests you need. Some may happen the same day but most are booked for a later date.

Step 4: Tests and investigations

We use different tests to understand your lung health:

• Scans: X-rays or CT scans at Hillingdon; PET scans at Mount Vernon.
• Breathing tests: Lung function tests to see how well you breathe.
• Procedures: Specialist biopsies like bronchoscopy, or EBUS - a type of ultrasound test -  at Harefield.

We will always explain how to prepare for these and where to go.

Step 5: Specialist team review

This is a meeting of experts, including doctors, surgeons and scan specialists, who work together to ensure you receive the safest and most accurate diagnosis. Your case and scan images are reviewed by our team to determine the best next steps.

Step 6: Your results appointment

We will meet with you to explain the diagnosis clearly and discuss your personalised treatment plan. We encourage you to bring a family member or friend to this appointment.

We will explain the diagnosis in plain language and discuss the next steps with you.

Step 7: Treatment and support

If a diagnosis is confirmed, your treatment plan will be tailored to you. This may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Upon referral, you will be assigned a specialist nurse. They are your main point of contact for any questions, emotional support and practical advice regarding your care.

We are here to help you manage the physical and emotional impact of your condition.

Symptom support: advice on managing breathlessness, cough and fatigue.

Practical help: guidance on accessing financial benefits and social services.

Emotional support: dedicated time to talk through your concerns, for both you and your family.

Stages and processes

Stage	What happens
1. Urgent GP Referral	You are referred via the 'two-week-wait' pathway. Shortly after, you should expect to be contacted to attend Hillingdon Hospital for CT images. Having these scans done first helps our specialists review your case faster.
2. First Appointment	You will meet a specialist (a consultant or a specialist nurse) to discuss your symptoms, medical history and the initial findings from your CT scan.
3. Further Tests & Scans	Depending on your CT results, you may need a PET scan at Mount Vernon Hospital or a specialist EBUS biopsy at Harefield Hospital.
4. MDT Review	A Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) of doctors, nurses and radiologists meet to review all your results together to ensure the most accurate diagnosis.
5. Results	We will meet with you to explain the findings in clear, simple language and discuss the next steps for your care.
6. Treatment	If treatment is needed, we will work with you to create a personalised plan, which may include surgery, radiotherapy, or oncology support. Treatment can include symptom control and broader support (palliative care) at any stage of the journey.