At Shenandoah Oncology, you can depend on our experienced oncologists to guide you through your lung cancer journey. We are here to help you learn more about your specific type of lung cancer and the treatment plan that is recommended for you.
Lung cancer doesn’t often show symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. Because of this, high-risk individuals, such as smokers, are recommended to have their lungs screened regularly. The earlier lung cancer is caught, the greater the chance it can be treated successfully.
Lung cancers are broadly classified into two types — small cell lung cancers (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) — which are then broken down into specific subtypes. Both small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer are named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells appear when viewed under a microscope. The cancer cells of each type grow and spread in different ways.
NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer in the United States, accounting for about 80% to 85% of lung cancers. There are three main types of non-small cell lung cancer, which include:
SCLC is a fast-growing cancer that accounts for about 10% to 15% of all lung cancers. It has two general types, which include:
Smoking tobacco is the major risk factor for developing small cell lung cancer.
In addition to NSCLC and SCLC, there are other types of lung cancer that can be treated by the specialists at Shenandoah Oncology including lung carcinoid tumors, mesothelioma, and other less common types of cancer that can develop in the lungs.
Staging of lung cancer tells the oncologist more about the extent of the tumor and whether it’s spread beyond its original location. Information gathered through the pathology report as well as images and blood tests will make it possible to determine the stage and the potential treatment options. The staging for small cell and non-small cell lung cancers are a bit different.
The approach to treating lung cancer depends on several factors, including the specific type, stage, biomarker test results, and location of the lung cancer. The oncologist will also consider your overall health condition and personal goals. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the more common type of lung cancer, is treated differently from small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Lung cancer patients may receive one or a combination of the following treatments, including:
Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted Therapy
Immunotherapy
Laser Therapy
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer, request an appointment with a lung cancer specialist for an evaluation of which treatments may be best based on the type and stage of lung cancer. Shenandoah Oncology is located in Winchester Virginia and serves patients in and around the area, including the Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia, West Virginia and Western Maryland.
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