Posted on Nov 11, 2025 in
NEWSWORTHY
Anne Sexton
When Anne Sexton rushed to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s emergency room for painful swelling in her face, she never imagined the visit would uncover a shocking discovery that would change her life. A CT scan revealed a tumor in the 68-year-old’s right lung, and the incidental finding ultimately led to a Stage 1 lung cancer diagnosis.
“They never figured out why my jaw was swollen shut, but I believe it was divine intervention to catch my cancer,” Sexton said. “It was the 4th of July, and I was worried I wouldn’t be able see a doctor over the holiday weekend, but Houston Methodist Sugar Land took great care of me.”
Following her ER visit, Sexton was connected with Barbara Cox, a Lung Program Clinical Resource Nurse, who reviews dozens of daily imaging reports for signs of cancer from scans performed for unrelated medical reasons. Sexton’s results raised a red flag, and she was referred to the hospital’s Lung Nodule Clinic.
Barbara Cox
The clinic specializes in identifying early-stage lung cancers using advanced robotic technology to perform precise, minimally invasive biopsies of lung nodules. This approach enables faster diagnoses, earlier treatment, and helps reduce patient anxiety while increasing survival rates.
Dr. Priya Oolut, board-certified pulmonologist at Houston Methodist Sugar Land who leads the Lung Nodule Clinic, emphasizes the significance of the clinic’s proactive strategy.
“We review imaging from ER visits and flag nodules larger than 6mm,” said Dr. Oolut. “Many of these findings are incidental, but they allow us to catch cancer early. Lung cancer can be tricky because a lot of times, there are no symptoms until it’s too late.”
Dr. Priya Oolut
Biopsy results confirmed Sexton had a neuroendocrine tumor, a rare but slow-growing form of lung cancer, especially non-smokers. Although Sexton has a family history of lung cancer, she never considered herself high-risk. “My brother was a multi-pack a day smoker, and I don’t smoke or drink,” she said. “I had no symptoms— no cough, no fatigue. Without that scan for my face, we never would have found the cancer. It’s a miracle.”
Last month, Sexton underwent surgery to remove the upper lobe of her right lung as well as several lymph nodes. Today, she is cancer-free and looking forward to welcoming her first grandchild in January.
This November during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Sexton is sharing her story to stress how early detection can save lives.
“I want people to know how important it is to stay on top of your health,” Sexton said. “Get your mammograms, colonoscopies, blood work, whatever your doctor recommends. You never know what might be hiding.”
Houston Methodist Baytown, West, and Willowbrook Hospitals offer similar lung program services to patients. To find out if you qualify for a lung cancer screening, talk with your primary care physician. Houston Methodist Primary Care Group provides care that’s personalized for you and your unique needs. To make an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 832.416.1678.
