Lung Cancer Specialist

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is a type of uncontrolled cell growth in the lungs. There are a few different types of lung cancer, but the most common by far is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It doesn’t spread very quickly compared to its counterparts, but it can do a lot of damage without treatment. Until it starts spreading to surrounding tissue, it might not need treatment. 

What are the early symptoms of lung cancer?

Lung cancer has a number of signs and symptoms, which you should report to your physician whether you think they indicate lung cancer or not. The earliest symptoms of all types of lung cancer are pretty much the same and can include:

• An unrelievable cough
• Coughing up blood
• Coughing up phlegm
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Low appetite
  
  

As the disease progresses and spreads, lung cancer can lead to other symptoms affecting more than just the lungs and airways. Cancerous lung tissue can also release substances that act like hormones and cause additional symptoms that mimic hormone imbalance, like fluid retention, seizures, and muscle weakness. 

What causes lung cancer?

You can get lung cancer regardless of your habits, but it’s worth noting that 80-90% of lung cancer cases have a direct link to smoking. Smoking damages your lung cells over time, which can cause them to behave abnormally and lead to the development of cancer. You can even develop lung cancer because of secondhand smoke inhalation if you don’t smoke yourself. 

Besides tobacco smoke, these chemicals can lead to lung cancer after inhalation:

• Radon
• Arsenic
• Asbestos
• Cadmium
• Nickel
• Uranium
  
  

Even if you were never exposed to inhaled chemicals like these, certain genetic variants could put you at risk of getting lung cancer later in life. 

What are my treatment options for lung cancer?

The specialists at Houston Cancer Institute, PA, collaborate with other specialists and your primary care provider to give you individualized lung cancer care. Your specific course of treatment depends on your personal medical history and the type and stage of your lung cancer. It might involve:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is available at Houston Cancer Institute, PA, on an outpatient basis. It involves targeting and destroying cancer cells with strong medications via infusion.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy trains your immune system to better target cancer cells. This treatment works especially well for NSCLC. 

Radiation therapy

Radiation uses powerful beams of energy, like X-ray beams, to target and shrink tumors in the lungs.

Surgery

Lung cancer surgery involves the removal of cancerous tissue plus a margin of healthy tissue around it. Surgeries for advanced lung cancer might require the removal of a lobe or an entire lung. 

Staging your cancer 

To determine the best treatment for your  cancer, the team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, stages your cancer using state-of-the-art Cat Scan or PET/CT imaging.

The scans show how large the tumor is, how deeply it extends , and whether it's spread to other areas. This will help our team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA  identify what stage of cancer you  have and tailor your treatment plan to that stage for optimal outcomes and recovery. 

Don’t let lung cancer go without detection or treatment. Call Houston Cancer Institute, PA, for screening or assessment, or book an appointment online at any of the locations today.