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Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Care at Shenandoah Oncology

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Dedicated Lung Cancer Specialists

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.

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Dedicated Lung Cancer Specialists

Diagnosing Lung Cancer

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.

About Detection & Diagnosis

Types of Lung Cancer

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.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

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:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that forms in the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the lungs. This is also called epidermoid carcinoma. It is more common in smokers, accounting for about half the cases of this type of lung cancer.
  • Large cell carcinoma: Cancer that may begin in several types of large cells.
  • Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in the cells that line the alveoli and make substances such as mucus. Most likely to occur in non-smokers.

Small Cell Lung Cancer

SCLC is a fast-growing cancer that accounts for about 10% to 15% of all lung cancers. It has two general types, which include:

  • Small cell carcinoma (also known as oat cell cancer because of how it looks)
  • Combined small cell carcinoma

Smoking tobacco is the major risk factor for developing small cell lung cancer.

Other Types of Lung Tumors

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 Lung Cancer

Breast Cancer Stages & Grades

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.

Learn About Stages

Lung Cancer Treatment Options

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

Surgery

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy

Targeted Therapy

Targeted Therapy

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy

Laser Therapy

Laser Therapy

Treatments of Lung Cancer

Find a Lung Cancer Doctor in Winchester, Virginia

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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