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Lung Cancer Overview
Program Overview. At The Lacks Cancer Center our lung cancer treatment programs are increasing hope everyday, thanks to a unique multidisciplinary model of care, which incorporates a staff of progressive physicians—including the only dedicated thoracic surgeon in all of West Michigan—and the most innovative technologies available. In addition to this model, we continually review and apply the latest anti-cancer drugs, the newest staging and imaging techniques, and the most effective surgical procedures to ensure the best outcomes in the treatment of lung cancer.Signs and Symptoms. Lung cancer does not typically present signs or symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, the most common warning sign is a cough—caused by tumor irritation of airway lining, or actual blockage of the airway passage. Additional symptoms include a worsening ‘smokers cough’, coughing up blood (even a small amount), chest pain, shortness of breath, new onset of wheezing, hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks, and repeated bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis. In addition to the respiratory symptoms, lung cancer may also cause fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Lung Cancer Types. Lung cancer is commonly divided into two types: small cell and non-small cell. Each type grows and spreads in different ways and is treated differently. Small cell lung cancer spreads early in the course of the disease and occurs almost exclusively in smokers. Surgical removal usually is not an option for this type of cancer; instead, it is best treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Non-small cell cancer, which is more common, accounts for 75% of lung cancers. If caught early, when it is confined to a small area, it can likely be removed surgically and treated with additional therapies to ensure effective treatment. There are four major categories of non-small cell lung cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma and bronchoalveolar carcinoma.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma. This cancer forms in cells lining the airways; it is the most common type of lung cancer in men.
- Adenocarcinoma. This cancer usually begins in the mucus-producing cells of the lungs. It is the most common type of lung cancer in women, and in people who have never smoked or were never exposed to second hand smoke.
- Large Cell Carcinoma. This type of cancer originates in the peripheral (outside) part of the lungs.
- Bronchoalveolar Carcinoma. This uncommon type of non-small cell cancer tends to grow faster than other forms of the disease. It occurs more often in smokers than in non-smokers and tends to arise in more than one location at the same time.