Cancer care at:

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer begins when abnormal cells grow in one or both lungs. Abnormal cells can invade healthy lung tissue, form tumors and prevent the lung from functioning correctly, resulting in less oxygen circulating in the body. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), about 200,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. More deaths can be attributed to lung cancer than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined.

Two Major Types of Lung Cancer:

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
About 85 to 90 percent of lung cancers are NSCLC.

Squamous cell carcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma.
Large-cell.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
About 10 percent of lung cancers are SCLC.

Symptoms

Most lung cancers do not show signs or symptoms until advanced stages. Lung cancer symptoms may include:

Cough that does not go away.
Shortness of breath.
Chest pain with deep breathing, laughing or coughing.
Coughing up blood or bloody mucus.
Hoarseness.
Wheezing.
Recurrent chest infections.
Weight loss/Loss of appetite.

To help detect lung cancer in early stages it is recommended that you see your doctor when symptoms are first noticed. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a MemorialCare Physician partner.

Causes & Prevention

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Eighty-seven percent of lung cancers are related to smoking. Early diagnosis is crucial for a better quality of life and survival. The survival rate for lung cancer is improved by finding lung cancer at an earlier stage of growth. Learn more about lung cancer screening offered through the Early Lung Cancer Detection Program.

Risk Factors

You are at a greater risk for lung cancer risk if you:

Smoke or are exposed to smoke.
Are exposed air pollution, arsenic, and/or asbestos.
Have a diet low in fruits and vegetables.
Have a family history of lung cancer.
Use Marijuana.
Are exposed to certain occupational chemicals.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic images, such as an X-Ray, can help your doctor determine if there is a spot or mass (abnormalities) in your lung(s). If an abnormality is seen on an X-Ray, further imaging studies, such as a CT scan, are usually taken. If a lesion is found on the imaging study, a biopsy can be performed to examine tissue cells under a microscope to confirm diagnosis. A pulmonologist (a lung specialist) can help you through the diagnostic process. To help detect lung cancer in early stages CT scans are taken through our Early Lung Cancer Detection Program.

Staging

If cancer is diagnosed and before treatment begins, additional tests are performed to determine the stage of the cancer and to see if it has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatments

MemorialCare’s experienced team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons conduct roundtable discussions (tumor boards) of newly diagnosed patients to make recommendations for the best course of treatment. Treatment options for lung cancer depend on the stage of your cancer. Your cancer care health care provider can help determine the right treatment for you. Some lung cancer treatments include:

Radiation Therapy