Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the United States. For men prostate cancer is more common and breast cancer is more common in women. Learn more about who is at risk for lung cancer.

What is lung cancer?

Cells in the lungs can become abnormal over time, and may not die off as part of the body’s natural process of renewal. As these abnormal cells reproduce they gradually form a tumor in the lung. Due to the size of the lungs, these tumors often go undetected for years. We treat the most common types of lung cancer, including small-cell lung cancers and non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC).

What are risk factors for lung cancer?

Accounting for 90% of lung cancer diagnoses, smoking is the top risk factor. However, other risk factors include:

• Exposure to asbestos and other hazardous materials and chemicals
• Exposure to radon gas
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Family history of lung cancer

What are the signs and symptoms of lung cancer?

Like most cancers, symptoms of lung cancer don’t tend to present themselves until later stages. Symptoms of advanced stage lung cancer can include:

• Tiredness or fatigue
• Persistent cough
• Trouble breathing and shortness of breath
• Discomfort in the chest and surrounding areas
• Coughing up mucus or phlegm
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)

If you’re experiencing symptoms, call your doctor and schedule a lung cancer screening.

Who should get lung cancer screenings?

Depending on your risk, your doctor may encourage you to undergo regular, preventative CT scan screenings. CT lung cancer screening is recommended for those at high risk for cancer, including individuals who:

• Are between the ages of 50 - 80
• Show no signs or symptoms of lung cancer (worsening cough, hoarseness, cough producing bloody material, unexplained weight loss)
• Have a 20-pack-year tobacco smoking history (1pack/day for 20 years, 2 packs/day for 10 years, etc.)
• Are currently smokers or have quit smoking within the past 15 years

What are my treatment options for lung cancer?

Your doctor will talk to you about all available treatment options based on the extent of your lung cancer and your individualized care plan.

What are surgical treatment options for lung cancer?

Surgery is used to completely remove the tumor from the lung and lymph nodes throughout the chest. Depending on your diagnosis, our surgical oncologists may recommend:

• Lobectomy: removal of entire lobe of lung, including tumors found within
• Wedge resection: removal of tumor(s) in addition to part of the normal lung
• Pneumonectomy: removal of lung or part of lung
• Minimally-invasive video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS): tiny camera (thoracoscope) inserted into the chest, used to guide surgeon during procedure
• Segmental resection: removal of a segment of the lung
• Sleeve resection: removal of the affected area of the lung and then sewing the two ends together

What radiation treatment options are available for lung cancer?

Radiation is a common treatment for lung cancer and can be combined with other treatment options like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Doctors also might use radiation after lung cancer surgery to lower the chance of cancer returning.

In advanced lung cancer, where the disease has spread, radiation can ease symptoms. It can reduce pain, make breathing easier, and stop bleeding. Radiation can enhance the quality of life, even if the doctors can't cure the cancer.

Our radiation oncologists use advanced computer programs . This targets the affected area and reduces side effects on healthy tissue. Treatment techniques include:

• 3D-conformal radiation therapy
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) / Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy (SABR)
• Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
• Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT)
• Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)
• Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT)

Will I need chemotherapy for lung cancer?

As part of your care, your medical oncologist may recommend chemotherapy or other medicine based therapies as part of your treatment plan. 

Other interventional treatments for lung cancer:

No two lung cancers are the same. The cancer specialists art SSM Health know and understand this. We realize that traditional treatments may not be your best option. That’s why we’re trained in other minimally invasive procedures, such as:

• Cryosurgery
• Image-guided biopsies, including cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation
• Laser surgery to open a blocked airway
• Navigational bronchoscopy and other interventional pulmonology procedures
• PleurX catheter: used to drain fluid that may accumulate in tissue surrounding the lungs

Life after lung cancer treatment:

Following your treatment, our doctors encourage regular physical exams and screening. It’s important to develop a post-treatment care plan with your physician. Your overall health is a critical part to recovery. Our doctors are here to help you maintain a healthy diet and weight, and talk with you about the benefits of exercise in rebuilding strength and energy levels.