What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung Cancer begins when cells in the lungs grow out of control. According to the American Cancer Society, there are two main types: non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for the large majority of cases, and small cell lung cancer, which tends to grow and spread faster. Knowing which type a person has is important, since it directly affects treatment options and outlook.
Signs and Symptoms
Lung Cancer often does not cause symptoms in its earliest stages, which is part of why screening matters. When symptoms do appear, they can include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, and shortness of breath.
Screening
Early detection significantly improves outcomes. Adults at high risk, generally those with a significant smoking history, may be candidates for annual low dose CT screenings even before symptoms develop. Talk with your physician about whether a lung cancer screening is right for you.
How Lung Cancer Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis may involve a full evaluation by a pulmonologist and imaging such as a chest X-ray, CT scan or PET scan. A biopsy confirms the diagnosis and is often done during a bronchoscopy, using a thin tube passed into the airways. Specialized testing of the tumor can look for genetic changes that help guide treatment.
For people with an abnormal chest scan, Northside’s Lung Nodule Clinics offer fast, coordinated evaluation of suspicious lung nodules.
Staging
Once lung cancer is diagnosed, staging determines how far it has spread, from cancer confined to the lung in its earliest stage to cancer that has spread to other organs in its most advanced. Staging, along with the specific type of lung cancer, guides every treatment decision that follows.
Treatment
Treatment for lung cancer depends on its type and stage. Options typically include one or more of the following:
- Surgery, to remove cancerous tissues from the lung
- Chemotherapy, to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors
- Radiation therapy, using targeted energy to treat cancer cells
- Targeted drug therapy, aimed at specific genetic features of the cancer.
From diagnosis through every stage of treatment, our team is here to walk beside you with expertise and compassion.
Find a Physician
A Team of Lung Cancer Specialists
Through our affiliation with Northside Hospital Cancer Institute’s Lung Cancer Program, ACC patients have access to a program that holds The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification for lung cancer, at hospitals designated by the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer as Centers of Excellence. Thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, radiologists and pathologists review cases together to agree on the best plan for each patient. See the Northside Lung Cancer Program.
Lung Cancer Support and Survivorship
Through Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, oncology nurse navigators guide patients through treatment and coordinate with the whole care team. To reach a nurse navigator, call 404-300-2800 or email nurse.navigator@northside.com. If you smoke, quitting improves treatment outcomes, and Northside’s Built to Quit program can help (404-780-7653).
At ACC, our oncology social workers help patients and families with counseling, community resources, transportation and financial concerns. You can also explore our supportive care resources.
Common Questions About Lung Cancer
What are the main types of lung cancer?
Non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for most cases, and small cell lung cancer, which tends to grow and spread faster.
Who should be screened for lung cancer?
A yearly low-dose CT scan is recommended for some adults at high risk, such as many longtime smokers. A physician’s order is required, so ask your doctor whether you qualify.
Can lung cancer be found before symptoms start?
Yes. Screening can find lung cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Does quitting smoking still help after a diagnosis?
Yes. Quitting improves treatment outcomes.
