You're a fighter. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we welcome fighters like you every day. Whether you have just been diagnosed with lung cancer and are beginning your battle, or you're looking for a second opinion from a care team of doctors, nurses and practitioners as committed to your fight as you are-search no more.

At CTCA, we equip you with everything possible to fight your lung cancer. Unlike other hospitals and treatment facilities, at CTCA you will find a comprehensive, integrative approach to fighting cancer-under one roof. Our experts in oncology, nutrition, naturopathy, mind-body medicine, physical therapy, spiritual support and more surround you with support and empower you to make decisions about your treatment.

Conventional medicine, complementary therapies, technology, education, options, compassion and hope can-and do-work together when they are offered by dedicated and talented professionals who put you first. At CTCA, that's the only way we fight cancer.

If you're looking for an ally in your fight against lung cancer, call us today at 1-800-615-3055. Or, click to chat with one of our knowledgeable Oncology Information Specialists.

If you've been recently diagnosed with lung cancer, chances are you have a number of questions about your particular type and stage of cancer.

There are two primary types of lung cancer: Small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. Furthermore, lung cancer is broken down by stages that describe how far the cancer has spread. This staging process is important because it can help doctors determine the options available to treat your cancer.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we treat all types and stages of lung cancer. Your type of lung cancer, the extent of your disease, prior treatment received, your general health and personal wishes are all influential factors in determining the most appropriate cancer treatment for you.

If you're interested in learning more, chat online with one of our Oncology Information Specialists. Just follow this link: Chat about Lung Cancer Stages and Treatment.

You can also call 1-800-615-3055. Our Oncology Information Specialists are available around the clock to answer your questions.

Small cell lung cancer is categorized into two stages-limited stage and extensive stage. Limited stage usually means that the cancer is only in one lung and in lymph nodes on the same side of the chest. Small cell lung cancer that is considered extensive is cancer that has spread to the other lung, lymph nodes on the other side of the chest or to distant organs. It can also spread to the fluid around the lung.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we typically treat small cell lung cancer with radiation and chemotherapy. We combine these conventional treatments with scientifically based alternative and complementary therapies for a truly integrative approach to fighting cancer.

To learn how we may be able to help you fight your small cell lung cancer, call us today at 1-800-615-3055. Or, click to chat with one of our knowledgeable Oncology Information Specialists.

Non-small cell lung cancer is staged using Roman numerals 0 through IV (0 through 4). Typically, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

In stage I, the lung cancer is localized. No cancer is found in the lymph nodes and it has not metastasized to other parts of the body.

Stage I lung cancer can be broken down into two different stages: Stage IA and IB. Stage IA indicates that the tumor is fairly small, 3 centimeters or less across. Stage IB indicates that the tumor is larger than 3 centimeters across, or is growing in the main bronchus. This stage includes cancers that have caused a partial collapse of the affected lung.

Stage II lung cancer is subdivided into stages IIA and IIB. Stage IIA lung cancer is small, but unlike stage I, has spread to the lymph nodes. In stage IIB, the cancer can either be larger than 3 centimeters and apparent in the lymph nodes, or it has spread to surrounding tissue, but not to the lymph nodes.

Stage III lung cancer is staged as either IIIA or IIIB. In stage IIIA, the cancer has either spread to lymph nodes further away from the affected lung on the same side, or is still only in the lymph nodes nearest to the affected lung, but has spread to surrounding tissue.

Stage IIIB lung cancer occurs if:

• The cancer has spread to lymph nodes on the other side of the chest, or above the collarbone
• More than one tumor has formed in the affected lobe
• The cancer has spread to another structure in the chest (e.g., the heart)
• Fluid containing cancer cells has formed around the lung

Stage IV is the most advanced stage of lung cancer. In stage IV, the cancer has spread to another lobe of the lung or to another part of body, such as the liver or stomach.

At CTCA, surgery is the most common treatment for non-small cell lung cancers that have not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Our dedicated doctors can help you determine if surgery is appropriate for you. The goal of surgery for lung cancer is to remove the tumor, and is usually used in conjunction with other conventional treatments, such as radiation and/or chemotherapy.

To learn how we may be able to help you fight your non-small cell lung cancer, call us today at 1-800-615-3055. Or, click to chat now with one of our Oncology Information Specialists.

Every day we fight lung cancer with the latest, breakthrough technology and innovative therapies. For example, radiation oncologists at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) may use TomoTherapy®, a tool that aims extremely precise beams of radiation at a tumor, while keeping the radiation away from healthy, surrounding organs. TomoTherapy® may be used to treat patients with tumors located in difficult-to-treat areas, such as the lungs, head and neck.

Another unique form of radiation therapy CTCA offers is High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy. HDR Brachytherapy targets cancer cells directly, through the computer-controlled, temporary placement of tiny, highly radioactive pellets inside the tumor. Benefits include less damage to surrounding healthy tissues, faster recovery and fewer complications than that often occur with conventional, full-dose external beam radiation or surgery. Another advantage is the convenience of receiving treatments in a shorter duration of time.

In addition, CTCA can provide photodynamic therapy (PDT), a promising new treatment option. PDT can be used to help open up a blocked airway, treat early stage lung cancer or treat previously treated lung cancer. It involves injecting photoporphyrin, a chemical substance, into the bloodstream. Tumor cells absorb the photoporphyrin, priming the site for treatment. After 24 to 48 hours, a laser light is directed through a bronchoscope to activate the photoporphyrin and destroy the exposed tumor cells.

To learn more about our innovative and integrative approach to fighting lung cancer, call our Oncology Information Specialists at 1-800-615-3055. Or, click to chat with one of our knowledgeable Oncology Information Specialists.

If you're ready to take your fight against cancer to the next level, call Cancer Treatment Centers of America today. We're ready to fight for you.

To learn about lung cancer consultations at the Lung Center at CTCA, visit our website for detailed information. Better yet, to have your questions immediately answered—at any time of the day, any day of the week—contact our knowledgeable Oncology Information Specialists at 1-800-615-3055 or click to chat with them online.