Lung Thoracic Cancer Program
Comprehensive Treatment for Lung and Thoracic Cancers at St. Luke’s
What is it?
Lung cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that originates in the lung. Lung cancer can arise from different types of cells in the lung. The two main types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There are many types of non-small cell lung cancers; these cancers can be discovered at different stages. Approximately 180,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States.
Cancer that starts in another part of the body and spreads to the lung is not considered lung cancer, but metastatic disease caused by another cancer.
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Causes, Symptoms & Risk Factors
Lung cancer is commonly associated with smoking or a history of smoking. Exposure to second-hand smoke in your environment can also increase risk for the disease. Exposure to certain substances can also increase risk; these agents include asbestos, chromium, nickel, radon and arsenic. Individuals who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased risk of developing lung cancer as do those who have a genetic predisposition to cancer.
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A Team of Experts
Each lung cancer case at St. Luke's is evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of physicians who specialize in the treatment of lung cancer through St. Luke's Comprehensive Lung Cancer Program. This team of physicians meets on a weekly basis to discuss all current patients.
The dedicated team includes fellowship-trained thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, chest radiologists, pathologists and interventional radiologists.
St. Luke's physicians are members of the American College of Surgery Oncology Group (ACOSOG), the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), and have and have many active protocols for the treatment of lung cancer. At the time of consultation, the physicians will determine eligibility for any ongoing national clinical trials.
Tests, Procedures and Treatments
A doctor will perform a physical examination, review symptoms with the patient and perform diagnostic tests that can include:
The treatment of lung cancer depends on several factors, including the location of the cancer, the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes are involved and a patient's general health.
Treatment options include: