Treatment of Lung Cancer
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. Contributing to 200,000 new cases of lung cancer each year, this type of cancer begins as a growth in the cells of the lungs. The lungs are two spongy organs in the chest that control breathing. Lung cancer typically begins in the airways (bronchi or bronchioles) or small air sac (alveoli). People who smoke are at the greatest risk of developing lung cancer. The two main kinds of lung cancer include the following:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): The most common type of lung cancer and accounts for 80% of lung cancer cases. Common types include adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): Grows more quickly and is more difficult to treat than NSCLC. This type of cancer often has already spread to other parts of the body. Specific types of SCLC include small cell carcinoma and combined small cell carcinoma.
What are the risk factors for lung cancer?
Although various factors can increase the risk of lung cancer, smoking tobacco products — such as cigarettes, cigars or pipes — remains the most significant single risk factor. Experts say that smoking causes about 80% of lung cancer deaths. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes smoked. Other risk factors include:
- Being exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke.
- Being exposed to harmful substances, like radon or asbestos.
- Undergoing previous cancer treatment.
- Having a family history of lung cancer.
How do I lower my risk for lung cancer?
To reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, you can do the following:
- Do not smoke.
- Avoid secondhand smoke.
- Reduce radon in the home if needed.
- Be careful at work to avoid carcinogens.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
A health care provider can begin asking about your symptoms or medical history. After completing a physical exam, your health care provider may recommend several tests. Since lung cancer symptoms can be similar to other common illnesses, your health care provider may start by ordering a low-dose CT scan. Additional tests may include the following:
- Biopsies: Can identify cancer cells and determine what type of cancer it is.
- Bronchoscopy: Takes tissue samples to evaluate cells.
- Thoracentesis: Takes a sample of fluid from the lung for testing.
- Molecular tests: Can analyze tissue to identify gene changes that special drugs can target.
Is lung cancer screening available?
Screening for lung cancer is a multi-step process. It begins with an office visit to assess needs and risks. Eligible candidates will then undergo low-dose CT scans. These scans are more sensitive than X-rays and can detect abnormalities in the lungs. Scans are then read by a Karmanos radiologist.
Annual lung cancer screening is recommended for people aged 50 to 80 years old, who are current smokers or who quit no more than 15 years ago, with at least a 20-pack-year smoking history.
Lung cancer screening is covered by Medicare for patients 50-77 years old and most commercial insurance plans cover it for patients 55-80 years old. Typically, there is no out-of-pocket cost for low-dose CT lung screening, but confirm with your health insurance provider.
What are the signs of lung cancer?
In the early stages, lung cancer may not have symptoms that can be seen or felt. However, as the cancer grows larger, people may begin experiencing symptoms similar to those of less serious illnesses. A cough or pneumonia that keeps coming back can be an early sign of lung cancer. The most common signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include the following:
- A cough that doesn't go away or gets worse over time.
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea).
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Wheezing.
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
- Hoarseness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Unexplained fatigue.
- Shoulder pain.
- Swelling in the face, neck, arms or upper chest.
- Small pupil and drooping eyelid in one eye (Horner’s syndrome).
What are treatment options for lung cancer?
The Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos Cancer Institute will design a treatment plan specific to your diagnosis. Treatments for lung cancer will vary based on the type and characteristics of the cancer. You and your cancer care team will work together to decide on the best, personalized treatment plan for you.
In the fight against cancer, early detection is an important weapon, since cancer is most treatable in its early stages. Many forms of cancer do not display symptoms at their onset, so screening tests are used to monitor for warning signs.
Information about lung cancer, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.