Lung cancer

Lung cancer is categorized into two types:

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer and has three main types, which are determined by the type of cells found in the tumor. They include the following:

• Adenocarcinoma
• Large-cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): An aggressive form of cancer, most commonly caused by smoking and often discovered after it has spread extensively.

Our specialists treat many types of lung cancer, including:

If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, our team will be there for you to help navigate the best next steps and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment options we offer include:

• Advanced surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

Lung nodule program

Our lung nodule program provides prompt diagnosis and expedited care with the goal of detecting lung nodules earlier, diagnosing lung cancer at an earlier stage and ultimately, saving lives.

If an incidental lung nodule is found, the lung navigator contacts the physicians to discuss the patient's follow-up. The lung navigator also coordinates the plan of care, provides clinical assistance and supports the patient and their family.

Typically, in the earliest stages of lung cancer, you do not experience any signs or symptoms. When you start to experience symptoms, this typically means the lung cancer is in the later stages. Symptoms can include:

• A persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pains
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Fatigue
• Hoarseness
• Pneumonia
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss or loss of appetite
• Wheezing

We have developed a multidisciplinary lung cancer screening program to provide early detection and treatment of the disease. When you first come to us for a lung cancer screening, a lung coordinator will facilitate the appropriate diagnostic and screening exams. We offer the following:

Low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scan

A low-dose CT scan of the lungs is used to detect lung cancer at an early stage. This type of scan:

• Does not involve any medication
• Does not involve any needles
• Is not painful and takes less than a minute
• Requires you to briefly hold your breath

When your scan is complete, you can return to your normal day’s activities. The images created during the scan will be read by a board-certified radiologist.

Robotic bronchoscopy

Robot-assisted bronchoscopy allows lung cancer to be detected earlier with greater accuracy. It is a minimally invasive procedure that gives your doctor the ability to obtain tissue samples of small and hard-to-reach nodules in the lung.

Screening criteria

Talk to your doctor about a lung cancer screening if you:

• Are 50 to 77 years old
• Are asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer)
• Are a current smoker or one who has quit within the last 15 years
• Have a family or personal history of lung cancer
• Have a personal history of chronic lung disease (such as emphysema, bronchitis or pulmonary fibrosis)
• Have a personal history of jobs that expose you to arsenic, nickel, asbestos, beryllium, soot, cadmium, diesel fumes, chromium or coal dust
• Have a tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (One pack-year equals smoking one pack per day for one year. One pack equals 20 cigarettes.)

We also offer nurse navigation services for patients diagnosed with cancer. Our dedicated nurse navigator will be there to help coordinate care, provide support and address any questions or concerns you may have during treatment.

If lung cancer is diagnosed, our multidisciplinary team works together to ensure each patient has a personalized treatment plan and is supported through every step of their cancer journey.

Your lung cancer team of experts includes:

• Genetic counselors
• Medical oncologists
• Nurse navigators
• Pathologists
• Pulmonologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists
• Research investigators
• Thoracic surgeons