Lung cancer

Lung cancer screening is performed using a computerized tomography (CT) scan, which is used to take a picture of your lungs. This image allows your doctor to view any potential cancerous tumors within the lungs.

Without lung cancer screening, lung cancer is usually not found until a person develops symptoms, which is most often at a later state that is much more difficult to treat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a lung cancer screening if you:

• Have a heavy smoking history
• Are a former smoker who has quit within the past 15 years
• Are 55 to 80 years old

Our main goal when providing treatment for lung cancer is to produce positive outcomes for our patients. To do this, we offer various treatment options to ensure your care plan works for your unique situation.

Radiation therapy is a common type of cancer treatment that is used to shrink or destroy a tumor.

During radiation therapy, beams of energy are aimed directly at the tumor to shrink the cancerous cells. This ability to directly target the tumor causes less damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Your doctor may recommend surgery as a treatment option for lung cancer. The most common type of surgical procedure performed is a lobectomy. During a lobectomy, the surgeon will remove the lobe (section) of the lung that is affected by the cancerous tumor.

Often, lung cancer symptoms, especially in the early stages, can mimic common, non-serious pulmonary conditions. Because of this, your first line of defense in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer may be one of our expert pulmonologists.

After you have received a diagnosis, you will likely be referred to one of our lung cancer specialists. These specialists have extensive experience with lung cancer and partner with the other cancer specialists and medical professionals in our network to provide comprehensive care.

But no matter who is involved in your care, one thing is for certain — they are dedicated to helping you return to a healthy life.

There are several risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer, including:

• Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products
• Breathing in secondhand smoke
• Being exposed to high levels of radon
• Being exposed to workplace substances, including asbestos
• Being a lung cancer survivor, especially if you smoke
• Being a cancer survivor who had radiation therapy to the chest
• Having family members who have had lung cancer

It is important to note that, according to the CDC, a majority of lung cancers are caused by smoking and tobacco use. In fact, smoking causes about 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths.

Symptoms of lung cancer can include:

• Chronic cough
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fatigue
• Hoarse voice
• Pneumonia
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Unexplained weight loss or lack of appetite

If you have any of the above symptoms, it's important to discuss them with your healthcare provider.