Lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in both men and women. Beginning as a growth of abnormal cells, the cancer grows to form a tumor, interfering with your lung function. Lung cancer is categorized into two types:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) — NSCLC has three main types, which are determined by the type of cells found in the tumor. They include adenocarcinomas, large cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.
• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) — As the most aggressive and fastest growing type of cancer, SCLC can quickly spread to many sites within the body.

Lung cancer symptoms can be easy to disregard, which makes screening and early detection even more important. As part of our comprehensive cancer care, we offer noninvasive, low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screenings for individuals who may be at risk. The screening only takes a few minutes and available through our family of hospitals.

LDCT is a scan designed to catch cancer its early stages. After your scan, your report will be sent to your primary care provider and a result letter will be mailed to you. If necessary, you may be referred for pulmonary care. In that case, one of our lung nodule coordinators will schedule an appointment for you with a pulmonologist.

LDCT is usually recommended for individuals:

• Between 55 and 77 years old
• Who have smoked (on average) at least one pack a day for 30 years
• Who smoke and are asymptomatic

If you have symptoms of a lung condition at the time of the screening, such as a new cough or shortness of breath, you will likely not be eligible for LDCT screening. LDCT scans can help detect lung cancer in current and former smokers at high risk who have no symptoms of lung cancer. Those at high risk who are routinely screened are more likely to detect lung cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Lung cancer is treated through surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Our dedicated oncologists will build your treatment plan based on the type and stage of your lung cancer.

At our hospitals, your care plan may include wedge resection surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy. We know how overwhelming all of this can be, and that's why our dedicated team of oncologists will be walk you through your treatment and recovery plan.

Cancer support groups are designed to help you and your loved ones manage the difficulties and challenges cancer brings. There are also specific groups that are open to survivors, friends and family members who have or are experiencing a lung cancer diagnosis.

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (615) 514-2401.