Lung Cancer
Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for all types and stages of lung cancer. Our oncology team provides personalized treatment plans including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Understanding Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These cells form tumors that interfere with normal lung function, making it difficult to breathe and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, accounting for approximately 1.8 million deaths annually.
Early detection significantly improves outcomes. When diagnosed early (Stage I), the 5-year survival rate is 60-80%, compared to less than 10% for advanced stages (Stage IV). Our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive care from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship.
Did You Know? Lung cancer kills more people than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined. However, survival rates have doubled in the past decade due to advances in screening and treatment.
Types of Lung Cancer
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Most common type (85% of cases). Includes adenocarcinoma (40%), squamous cell carcinoma (25%), and large cell carcinoma (10%).
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Aggressive type (15% of cases), strongly linked to smoking. Grows and spreads quickly but responds well initially to chemotherapy.
Lung Carcinoid Tumors
Rare, slow-growing neuroendocrine tumors (less than 5% of cases). Better prognosis than other types.
Mesothelioma
Cancer of the pleura (lining around lungs), strongly associated with asbestos exposure.
Common Symptoms
Early lung cancer often has no symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms may include:
Persistent Cough
Cough that doesn't go away or worsens
Coughing Blood
Hemoptysis (blood in sputum)
Shortness of Breath
Progressive difficulty breathing
Chest Pain
Worsens with deep breathing or coughing
Unexplained Weight Loss
10+ pounds without trying
Fatigue
Persistent exhaustion
Risk Factors
Primary Risk Factors
- Smoking: 80-90% of lung cancer cases
- Secondhand smoke exposure
- Radon gas exposure (second leading cause)
- Asbestos exposure
- Air pollution
Other Risk Factors
- Family history of lung cancer
- Previous radiation to chest
- HIV infection
- Age over 65
Screening & Early Detection
Who should get screened for lung cancer?
- Age 50-80 years
- 20+ pack-year smoking history
- Current smoker OR quit within past 15 years
- Low-dose CT scan (LDCT) reduces mortality by 20%
- Low-Dose CT (LDCT): Gold standard for lung cancer screening.
- PET-CT Scan: Determines cancer stage and detects metastasis.
- Biopsy: Bronchoscopy, EBUS, CT-guided needle biopsy.
- Molecular Testing: Identifies driver mutations (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS).
Lung Cancer Staging
Stage I
Cancer confined to lung
5-yr: 68-92%
Stage II
Local spread to nodes
5-yr: 53-60%
Stage III
Spread to chest nodes
5-yr: 26-36%
Stage IV
Metastasis
5-yr: 3-8%
Treatment Options
Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach
Surgery
- Lobectomy (removal of one lobe)
- Wedge resection (small tumor)
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)
Radiation Therapy
- Stereotactic body radiation (SBRT)
- Intensity-modulated radiation (IMRT)
- Proton beam therapy
Chemotherapy
- Adjuvant (after surgery)
- Neoadjuvant (before surgery)
- Common drugs: Cisplatin, Carboplatin
Targeted Therapy
- EGFR inhibitors: Osimertinib
- ALK inhibitors: Alectinib
- Less toxicity than chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
- PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors: Pembrolizumab
- For advanced NSCLC and SCLC
- Durable responses possible
Clinical Trials
- Novel combination therapies
- New targeted agents
- Vaccine therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Our Cancer Center?
Comprehensive lung cancer care with tumor board approach
Multidisciplinary Team
Oncologists, surgeons, radiologists
Molecular Testing
Complete biomarker profiling
Minimally Invasive Surgery
VATS and robotic surgery
Advanced Radiation
SBRT, IMRT, Proton therapy
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